James Blaine "Jim" Travis

His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord. Matt. 25:21 James "Jim" Blaine Travis, age 91, of Jonesville, VA passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at The Waters at Bristol Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Dona (Stewart) Travis, infant brother Elbert Travis, Jr.; infant daughter Judith Elaine Travis; his first and second wife, Mildred Burden Travis and Ada Hounshell Travis; sisters, Margarett Sue Campbell and Elberta Newberry, and brother, Robert Travis. Left to cherish his memory are his two sons, Wayde and wife Margi of Jonesville; Boyd and wife Robin of Kingsport, TN; sister, Virginia Woodard of Pennington Gap; brother, Charlie Travis of Dayton, Ohio; two granddaughters, Sarah and husband Matthew Phillips of Kingsport, TN, and Faith Travis also of Kingsport, TN. He will be missed dearly by his great-grandsons, Maverick, Easton, Elijah, Owen, and Truett Phillips of Kingsport, TN. He also leaves behind his beloved nieces and nephews, and a host of friends who will miss his smile, love, wise counsel, and Godly example. Jim lived a full life and after graduating from Pennington High School in 1955, he enlisted in the US Navy serving in the heavy attack unit at the Sanford Florida Naval Air Station where he trained with pilots, bombardiers, and plane commanders to deliver the Atomic bomb. He then boarded the USS Essex CVA 9 in the Mediterranean Sea and was part of the 3rd Deck Weapon Assembly Crew supporting the US landings in Beirut, Lebanon in 1958 while launching reconnaissance and patrol missions. His crew then navigated to the Suez Canal and rounded the Horn of Africa to arrive in the Formosa (Taiwan) operational area, where they conducted flight operations and ran interference in the East China Sea. They continued to Singapore, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Cape Town South Africa, and Rio de Janeiro before proceeding back to Mayport Naval Station. Jim left the ship on June 6, 1959, and served as part of the Ready Reserve until leaving the Navy on July 13, 1963. Throughout his life, Jim worked as a butcher for Snodgrass Brothers Food Center, Piggly Wiggly, and H&H Supermarket. In 1968, he began working at the United States Postal Service where he remained until retirement on October 31, 1992. During his twenty-four years of retirement Jim drove a van for MEOC, grew delicious tomatoes, made wonderful meals, and enjoyed fishing with his buddies, the late Bobby Muncy and the late Doyle Hurd. Jim attended First Baptist Church in Jonesville for decades, holding numerous offices including Treasurer, Sunday School teacher, and Deacon. He most recently was a member of and worshiped with the congregation at Friendship Baptist Church of Jonesville. Jim was a 57-year Mason holding the office of High Priest of the Chapter in 1967 and Worshipful Master of Lodge in 1974. Jim was an amateur radio operator (KD4YGH) and previous Jonesville Fire Department member. Jim spent his life studying the Bible and serving God which he believed was his most important responsibility. He never missed an opportunity to share the love of his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a good and Godly man, and our community has lost a precious soul who was always willing to help anyone in need. The family gives special thanks to Jim’s friends, Jerry Harris, and Jack and Ethel Reese for their many years of helping Jim with anything he needed, whether it was providing him with a meal, mowing his grass, or taking him to his medical appointments. Their kindness and love shown to Jim will never be forgotten. Thanks also to his nurses Judy, Renee, Angela, Kelli, Natasha, and Sheila who provided excellent care in his home. Family will receive friends from 1 pm to 2 pm on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Friendship Baptist Church, Jonesville, VA. Masonic rites will be conducted by Preston Lodge Number 47. Funeral services will be held following with Mike Humfleet and Trent Moody officiating. Doug Odle will conduct a graveside service in the Travis Family Cemetery in Cooney Hollow, Jonesville VA immediately following the funeral service. Honorary Pallbearer will be Jerry Campbell, and Pallbearers are Jerry Harris, Jack Reese, Mike Campbell, Brian Campbell, Matthew Phillips, and Pete Flanagan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Gideons International or Friendship Baptist Church 28970 Wilderness Road, Jonesville, VA, United States, 24263.

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James Blaine "Jim" Travis

March 11, 1935 - June 17, 2026

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James Blaine "Jim" Travis

March 11, 1935 - June 17, 2026

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