John W. "Jack" Travis , 86, Ringtown passed away peacefully on Saturday at home surrounded by his family.

Born in Girardville, he was a son of the late Bruce and Stella Honicker Travis. He was employed as a baker for Heckard's Bakery in Girardville for 25 years before becoming a groundskeeper for the North Schuylkill School District until his retirement.

Jack was a member of Aurand Memorial United Methodist Church, Ringtown, the Ashland Masonic Lodge No. 294 F & AM, the Redball Military Transport Club and the GPA Military Vehicle Historical Society.

Jack spent a lot of his time helping the youth of Girardville. He started and organized the Girardville Basketball Association in 1960 and ran it until 1987. He also coached the various youth organizations including the Girardville Little and Teener Leagues from 1955 to 1985. Jack was the grand marshal in 2009 for the Girardville St. Patrick's Day Parade.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Betty Travis.

Jack is survived by his wife of 43 years, Elizabeth "Christine" (Jones) Travis, Ringtown; two sons: Paul and his wife Emily Travis of Colorado Springs, CO and Edward Travis, Ringtown; two step-grandchildren: Nicholas Twombly, Maine and JonathanTwombly of Colorado.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. from the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Girardville with Pastor Susan Wollyung officiating. Interment will follow at the Methodist Cemetery in Ringtown. Friends may call at the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Girardville, on Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers contributions be made, in Jack's name, to the Girardville Basketball Association in care of Paul Kowalick at 250 N. Second Street Girardville, PA 17935 or to the Ringtown Area Library at 132 W. Main St. Ringtown, PA 17967