Celebrating the life of
John Rourke Jarvis, Sr.
June 21, 1911 - June 10, 2008
John Rourke Jarvis, Sr. 96, died Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at Azalealand Nursing Home.
Johnny was born June 21, 1911 in Savannah but enjoyed his retirement for the past 25 years at Tybee Island. In 1930 he graduated from Benedictine Military School. He was a World War II veteran who served in the Pacific while serving his country in the United States Navy. He also served in the National Guard during the Korean Conflict. He was a mechanic at Mingledorf Shipyard, Savannah Machine & Foundry. Johnny retired from the United States Postal Service and was an active member the American Legion Post. No.184, Chatham Artillery. He was a volunteer for the Tybee Museum and the Beach Sweep, and often could be found picking up old rusty bikes and forgotten beach chairs. On Sundays, he loved playing bocce ball. Above all, he enjoyed the Beach Bum Parade where he was affectionately known as "The Big Kahuna". Johnny was preceded in death by his brothers, William B. Jarvis, Jr. and Walter B. Jarvis, Sr.; first wife, Ruth Louise Johnston Jarvis; second wife, Fay Morrison Jarvis and his youngest son, William Thomas "Tommy" Jarvis who was killed in action in 1968 during the Vietnam War.
Survivors include his son, John R. Jarvis, Jr. and his wife, Nettie of Savannah; two daughters, Catherine Eleanor Moore of Paragould, AR; Dorothy Louise Brown and her husband, Ray of Snellville, GA; sister, Juliane Jarvis Meyers and her son, Burton C. Moore of Tybee Island; 10 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation: 10:00 a.m. to II: 00 a.m., Thursday, June 12, 2008 at the Islands Chapel of Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors with a Christian Wake Service at 11:00 a.m.
Graveside Service: 1:00 pm, Thursday, June 12 at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens with Military Honors. Honorary pallbearers will be Burton Moore, Tommy Brown, Rou Jarvis, Stefan Jarvis, Jamie Ward, Rick Johnston, Dennis Moore, Jr. and John Moore.
Remembrances: Hospice Savannah, Inc. P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA, 31416 or Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Dr., Savannah, GA, 31402.
Everyone on Tybee who knew John will miss him. Our sympathies, Rusty & Roxanne Fleetwood
- Rusty & Roxanne Fleetwood, Tybee, GA
so sorry for your loss love ya judy
- Judy Puckett, Savannah, GA
Heartfelt condolences to Johnny's family and friends. He and Ruthie were a good friends with my Mother and Daddy. Bruce and Virginia Coburn I was fortunate to have him in my life through them. I enjoyed seeing him again a few years back while I was visiting Tybee. God bless you all.
- Ginny Coburn McEarchern, Stockbridge, GA
Dear Jarvis Family,a good man has gone home.You have my deepest sympathy in your loss.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Everyone on Tybee who knew John will miss him. Our sympathies, Rusty & Roxanne Fleetwood
- Rusty & Roxanne Fleetwood, Tybee, GA
so sorry for your loss love ya judy
- Judy Puckett, Savannah, GA
Heartfelt condolences to Johnny's family and friends. He and Ruthie were a good friends with my Mother and Daddy. Bruce and Virginia Coburn I was fortunate to have him in my life through them. I enjoyed seeing him again a few years back while I was visiting Tybee. God bless you all.
- Ginny Coburn McEarchern, Stockbridge, GA
Dear Jarvis Family,a good man has gone home.You have my deepest sympathy in your loss.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
