James Oliver Traver

James Oliver ‘Slim’ Traver, 80, passed away on Saturday, November 4, 2023, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Jim was born on April 2, 1943, in Peoria, Illinois, to Oliver Clarence Traver and Birdeen Rosalyn Patten. He graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1961. Jim served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Conflict as a ship’s diver and electronic technician. He married Mary Jo Augustine on January 20, 1967. Jim pioneered SCUBA Diving in the twin lakes area, opening his first Scuba Doo Dive Shop in 1972, finally completing construction on his current facility in 1994. Jim was an avid sportsman and loved testing the bag limits of most wild game in the state. His sport of choice was spear fishing with his daughter. He was most proud of his grandchildren and loved watching them excel at swim, soccer, dance, volleyball, theater, and rock climbing.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Augustine Traver of Mountain Home, AR; son, Patten Traver of Mountain Home, AR; and daughter, Jamee Olivia Traver (Brad Trogdon) of Mountain Home; and grandchildren, Joia, Peeka, Sierra, Sydnee, and Slater.

Per Jim’s wishes there will be no funeral or services. He asked that we all remember him as he was.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Memorial Hospital, where his granddaughter was a patient.

Arrangements are by Kirby & Family Funeral & Cremation Services - Mountain Home, AR. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com .