Jim "W.W." Travis - May 17, 1940 - October 4, 2013

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Obituary from DailyTrib.com

https://www.dailytrib.com/2013/10/11/obituary-jimmy-travis-dean-73-dies-oct-4-2013/

 

Jimmy Travis Dean came into this world May 17, 1940, and left this world Oct. 4, 2013. He was born to Winnie V. Townsend Dean Zimmerman and Travis Dean of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

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Jim Travis started his radio career at 19 at KBHS in Hot Springs. He was a disc jockey for the original KOKE FM in Austin, Texas; and after moving to San Antonio, became the morning DJ for KBUC Radio. He next moved to Austin to work at country giant KVET AM. Jim worked at KVET AM on and off for 17 years, teaming up with the infamous Sammy Allred and the “Afternoon Delight,” Penny Reeves.

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While a DJ in Austin, he owned Kicker Jim’s Nightclub and traveled with his famous MUSIC MACHINE; his slogan was, “I have been to more weddings than most preachers.”

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Jim Travis worked at KBUC Radio in San Antonio and WBAP in Fort Worth, and, in the early 1990s, he teamed up with a new personality, his wife, JO Mama. Together they worked at Austin’s KAT Radio and Round Rock’s KICK 92, where he was known as “Ranger Jim.”

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In his almost 50-year radio career, he was on air in many markets, including in New York City; Shreveport, Louisiana; and even Kentucky, where he was presented with the title of “Kentucky Colonel.” In January 2013, he was inducted into the Texas CMA Radio DJ Hall of Fame — an honor he so rightfully deserved and which was given to him toward the end of life. What a way to go!

 

Jim’s sarcastic sense of humor and his ability to tell whooping great stories will be greatly missed by everyone who ever listened to him or knew him.

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(Addition by Memorial Author - Six years after his death he was inducted into the 2019 Texas Radio Hall of Fame on 11/2/19 in Kilgore, Texas. Sad that it was not sooner, when Jim could and would have been so honored and appreciative. At least they were kind to recognize him. It was a long time coming.)

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He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jo Travis of Austin; sons, Duane Dean and wife Jeannie of Farmersville, Louisiana, Keith Dean of Brazoria and Traye Dean and wife Mary of Georgetown; daughter, Michelle Dean Plunk McDonald and husband Chris of Marble Falls; grandchildren, Erin Lyons and husband Chris of Farmersville, Jeremy Dean of Farmersville, Joshua Dean and wife Kimberly of Farmersville, Ashley Dean Phillips of Houston, Amanda and Garrett Dean of Missouri, Bree and Bailey Dean of Georgetown and Kaytlynn and Joy Plunk of Marble Falls; great-grandchildren, Gage Stephenson, Cory Stephenson, Danny and Molly Dean of Louisiana and Devlin and Ivy Phillips of Houston; and cousin Pete Townsend of Huntsville.

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