Dr. James Travers

MOUNDS, Ill. -- Dr. James J. Travers, 82, of Springfield, Ill., died Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at St. John's Hospice in Springfield.

He was born July 13, 1921, at Mounds, son of John R. and Mary Ryan Travers.

Travers retired as assistant director of finance with the Illinois Department of Special Education. He received undergraduate degrees and two master's degrees from Southern Illinois University, a master's degree from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. from SIU.

He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Springfield, Knights of Columbus and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Travers was a lieutenant commander and Navy pilot in the South Pacific during World War II.

Survivors include his wife, Frances Grant Travers; two daughters, Jeanne Travers of Springfield, Joanne Mayes of Chatham, Ill.; a son, Jim Travers of Warner Robins, Ga.; a sister, Sarah Clarke of Olive Branch, Ill.; a brother, Charles Travers of Birmingham, Mich.; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers.

Friends may call at Barkett Funeral Home in Mounds from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. The rosary will be recited at 7:30.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mound City, Ill., with Monsignor Bill McGhee officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery at Mounds, with military honors by Pulaski County Memorial VFW Post 8891 at Mounds.