James “Jimmy” Michael Travens II, 31, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away on October 18, 2026. He was born on April 8, 1995, to James “Jimbo” Michael Travens and Afton Pruett Travens. He was a graduate of Huntsville High School’s class of 2013.
Jimmy had a tender heart, and it showed most in how he loved animals. His dog, Nyx, was his constant companion and the one he adored above all. Of the many career opportunities Jimmy pursued, none meant more to him than his current employment as a veterinary technician at Bentley Animal Hospital, where he cared for animals and the people who loved them.
Family was the most important thing in Jimmy’s life. When he cared about someone, he invested in them. Over the past year he honored his grandparents by moving into their home and actively renovating and updating it. He doted on his mother, Afton, and was devoted to his sister, Cassie. He gave the same loyalty to his friends and to Nyx.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, James “Jimbo” Michael Travens, his grandparents, John and Bobbi Pruett, James and Rita Travens, and Bill Crabtree.
He is survived by his mother, Afton Pruett Travens; his sister, Cassandra “Cassie” Travens; his brother, Nick Skirchak; nieces, Hazelee and Jupi Scott, Annabeth, Elaina, McKenna and Layne Wilson; girlfriend, Katie Stipes; and his beloved dog, Nyx.
He is also mourned by a grandmother, Anne Crabtree; his aunts and uncles, Pat (Tracey) Pruett, Tom (Sonia) Pruett, Greg (Kim) Campbell, Christy (Trey) McDowell, Tracey Willhelm, and Shelley Morgan. He leaves behind many cousins, including Clay (Brittany) Pruett, Micah Pruett (David) Lee, Laney Pruett, Caleb Pruett, Katie Beth Pruett, Brittney (Chris) Wills, Amber Wilheilm, Sara Paracca, Kelli Welch, Ravon Irvin, and Christopher, Ebony, and Marilana Rhinehart; and many other extended family and friends.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, followed by a Celebration of Life in the funeral home chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial gifts to be made to the Tarvin Fund managed by Bentley Animal Hospital, in honor of Jimmy’s love for animals. Contact details: 256-852-4121. Checks can be mailed to Bentley at 5025 Memorial Pkwy NW, Huntsville, AL 35810. Denote the checks to “In memory of Jimmy Travens” for the Tarvin Fund Account# 4768.
