ALEXANDRIA, LA – James A. “Jim” Travis, 77, of Alexandria, LA, a native of Ahoskie, died peacefully on November 10, 2012.

Memorial services were held at Horseshoe Drive United Methodist Church on November 12, officiated by Rev. Tracy MacKenzie.  Graveside services were held with full military honors provided by the USAF Honor Guard, with representation by the Louisiana Patriot Guard Riders.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Lee and Stella Maning Travis of Ahoskie; and by his two grandsons, Benjamin and Patrick Cowen.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Clarice Dilday Travis; daughter, Michelle and husband Paul Spears, daughter Jamie Griffin, granddaughter Emily Rice, great-grandson Drew Cowen, and many loved step-grand and great-grandchildren.

Jim was born on December 12, 1934 in Ahoskie.  He attended Ahoskie High School, Fork Union Military Academy, and NC State.

He was a veteran, patriot, and proud American who served his country in the US Army and US Air Force for 23 years, retiring in 1979 as Commandant of the NCO Leadership Academy at England Air Force Base, Alexandria, LA.

Following his retirement, Jim worked for many years at John Ward Ace Hardware, where he is still fondly remembered as the “guy in the yellow yardstick suspenders.”  In his later years, Jim was devoted to providing a loving home to any cat that came his way.

Memorial gifts may be made to Horseshoe Drive United Methodist Church, 1600 Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria, La, 71301 or to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT, 84741.