Bristol, TN
James (Jim) Jarvis, 93, passed away on March 10, 2023 after a long battle with asthma and severe lung problems.
He was born December, 24, 1929 in Ovapa, West Virginia to the late Spencer and Dona Jarvis, both of West Virginia.
Along with his parents, he was proceeded in death by his daughter, Shirley Ann Jarvis Bernard of Bristol, TN; brothers, Charles Jarvis, Paul Jarvis and Marvin Jarvis: sister, Francis Saffir.
Survivors include his loving wife Mabel Barker Jarvis of 44 years; children. Sharon Ranae Fleenor and John Barker and wife, Christie, all of Bristol, TN; brothers, Kenneth Jarvis and wife Shirley (OH), Jack Jarvis (WV), Danny Jarvis and wife Barb (WV); sisters, Dorothy Rice and husband Rex (TX), Mary Parsons (FL), Arletta Conley and husband Shirley (WV); grandchildren, David Felty, Rebecca Fleenor, Sam Fleenor, Jenny Thomas, Carson Barker, Callie Barker and Jacob Magnus; great grandchildren, Madisyn Felty, Makenze Felty, Mariska Felty, Myleigh Felty, Landen Felty, Anna Thomas and Nathan Thomas.
Jim was a member of Volunteer Baptist Church and loved all of his church family. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, woodworking, gardening and maintaining the lawn. Jim retired from truck driving after 47 years, in 1988. After retirement, Jim enjoyed being an amateur radio operator with call signs WD4JJ (EX WD4EKA). He was a member of Bristol Amateur Radio Club where he served as president for 3 terms and was also awarded ham of the year on 3 occasions. Jim was also part of the American Radio Relay League where he held many appointments, emergency coordinator, district emergency coordinator, section emergency coordinator, and national traffic system. Jim loved amateur radio and all of his radio friends. His primary focus was amateur radio emergency services working with City of Bristol, Sullivan County and State of Tennessee or those who needed it. Jim also donated radio equipment to amateur in Russia, Poland Misereres and disabled veterans.
The family will receive friends from 12:00pm until 2:00pm at the Frost Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, March 18, 2023. A service will follow at 2:00pm with Pastor Tony French and Pastor Jerry Eggers officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon, Virginia.
The family would also like to say a special thank you to Johnston Memorial Hospital and staff, Bristol Regional Medical Center and staff, Dr. Robinette and Abingdon Internal Medical, and Dr. John Green and staff for his excellent care.
Frost Funeral Home & Cremation Services, is honored to serve the Jarvis family.