Obituary - Herman J. Travis, Jr.

Herman James Travis Jr. was born in Southwick, Oct. 20, 1935, to Herman James Travis Sr. and Lois May Travis (Christensen). He passed away March 11, 2012, at his home in Kendrick, succumbing to lung disease that he had battled for more than a year.

Jim is survived by two sisters; his brother; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his close friends and their daughters. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Wanda Russell; and his nephews, David and Donald Bryant.

At a young age, the family moved to Grangeville, where Jim graduated from Grangeville High School in 1954. After graduation he attended business college in Spokane for two years, where he took accounting and business classes. He was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1958 and served his country for two years, being honorably discharged in March 1960.

Jim moved to Kendrick and eventually purchased property in Brady Gulch in 1963. He owned and operated the Table Supply Store for many years in downtown Kendrick. He also managed the motor freight office and did many other carpentry and construction jobs during his lifetime.

His property in Brady Gulch was the site of many gatherings for family and friends. For years Jim hosted local motorcycle races, where he cooked and entertained for competitors and spectators. At the grocery store, Jim was known to extend credit to many people, urging them to buy what they needed and pay him when the crops came in or they got paid.

Jim's family and friends were very special to him. He always remembered his nieces and nephews with a crisp $5 bill at Christmas gatherings. He was generous with his time and talents, always ready to help a friend or neighbor in need and stick around after the job was done for a cool refreshment and visit.

A graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday at the Kendrick Cemetery on Sperry Grade.

Lewiston Tribune, March 14, 2012, p. 5B
Transcribed by Jill Leonard Nock

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