James Oliver “Slim” Traver

James, 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 diver and electronic technician. He married Mary Jo Augustine on Jan 20, 1967. Jim pioneered SCUBA Diving in Arkansas, opening his first Scuba Doo Dive Shop in 1972. He completed the construction of his current facility in Mountain Home 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 spearfishing with his daughter. He was most proud of his grandchildren and loved watching them excel at swimming, 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 we all remember him as he was. 

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