Howell J. "Jake" Jarvis

Howell Junior “Jake” Jarvis, 91, Gallipolis, Ohio passed away Thursday, August 18, 2016 at Holzer Senior Care Center, Bidwell, Ohio. He was born September 13, 1924 in the Rodney Community of Gallia County, son of the late Calvin and Elberta Jane (Spencer) Jarvis.

Jake was a World War II Veteran serving in the United States Marine Corp. He played baseball during that time as a recruiting tool for the USMC where he acquired the nickname “Hoppy” Jarvis. After the war, Jake met Marjorie Frances Smith and they wed July 22, 1947 in Athens, Ohio after which they were employed by Lowman’s Dairy. Later, he and his wife moved to Nelsonville, Ohio to operate Mack’s Dairy Freeze. In the early 1950’s, they returned to Gallia County. Jake began employment with G&J Auto Parts of Pomeroy in 1961 as a traveling route salesman for the company. He traveled primarily in Gallia, Meigs and Vinton Counties, taking orders for automobile parts and at times, delivering them as well to various service stations and car repair shops. He also traveled to parts of West Virginia, especially in Mason County, until his retirement in 1990.

He attended Faith Baptist Church, Rodney, Ohio and shared his love of baseball as an avid Red Sox Fan with his family. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, attending their athletic events. He “never met a stranger”.

Jake is survived by his wife, Marjorie and three children: Sherri Jarvis, Jay (Cheryl) Jarvis and Gary (Suzanne) Jarvis, all of Gallipolis; six grandchildren: Cpl. Joshua Jarvis, USMC; Dianna (Rod) Bruning, Zanesville, Ohio; Joee Jarvis, Gallipolis;  Stephanie Jarvis, Cleveland, Ohio; Amanda Jarvis, Cincinnati, Ohio and Joseph Jarvis, Cleveland, Ohio; two great-grandchildren: Roman and Selah Bruning; sister, Mary Shupe, Parker, Colorado and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family members.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers and sisters: Maxie Jarvis, Milfred Jarvis, Goldie Swisher, Permelia Offutt and Genevieve Brown.

Funeral services will be conducted 12:00 Noon Saturday, August 27, 2016 at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, Gallipolis with Rev. Jim Lusher officiating. Burial will follow in Centenary Cemetery with Full Military Graveside Rites conducted by the Gallia County Veterans Service Organization. Friends and family may call at the funeral home Friday 6:00-8:00 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation consideration in honor of Jake to:

Ohio Valley Christian School 1100 4th Ave Gallipolis, OH 45631                                                                                                                                                                                or                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Faith Baptist Church 3615 Jackson Pike Rodney, Ohio 45676                      

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mccoymoore.com