James Dean (“Jim”) Jarvis passed away November 6, 2010 at his home in McKinney, of a probable stroke. He is reunited with his beloved wife of 50 years, Ann Jarvis, and many other close family and friends who went before him. Jim Jarvis was born February 17, 1929 on a farm in Allen County, Ohio, to Ralph and Ruth Fowler Jarvis. His character was forged growing up in the Great Depression, with loving support and guidance from his parents, his church and the Spencerville, Ohio community. He worked hard on the farm and at school. Jim cherished many memories of that time, including getting an egg for allowance, which he could trade for an ice cream at the drug store, and of the community coming together to help those who had lost their farms. At age 17, Jim Jarvis was diagnosed with tuberculosis. The diagnosis was never confirmed, but he had to quit high school and enter a sanitarium. The family was told to expect the worst, but after 13 months, Jim left the sanitarium and finished high school. Jim had the tremendous gift of music, a superb baritone voice that was both rich and melodious. He was awarded a music scholarship to nearby Bowling Green State University. He graduated in 1952, and left for the big city of Chicago. There, at Ravenswood Methodist Church, he met the love his life, Elizabeth Ann English. Jim recalled that he could not afford to take her on dates, so he took the opportunity to direct the church youth choir, with Ann as the accompanying pianist. They married on May 7, 1955. Their marriage was blessed with two children, James L. Jarvis and Amy Elizabeth Jarvis. The family eventually settled in Houston, and joined Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. That church was the spiritual center of the family for many years. Of course, Jim Jarvis sang in the choir and was involved in many musical productions. During the 1970's and 80's, Jim Jarvis was a prolific musician, and was considered one of the finest amateur classical singers in the Houston area. He sang several minor roles with Houston Grand Opera, alongside some major opera stars of the day. In his 50's, Jim took up distance running, and completed several marathons. Jim had been raised as a Christian, and had always believed. Around 1980, he had a profound encounter with Christ, while driving on a routine business trip. He told of stopping his car and falling on his knees by the side of the road, giving his life to Christ. He was born again of the Spirit. In the early 1990's, Jim and Ann accepted an opportunity to manage a retirement community in the Dallas area. There, they could be close to their daughter Amy Smith and family. They made many new friends, and cherished their years in Garland and, later, Plano, where they were members of Custer Road United Methodist Church. In the early 2000's, Ann Jarvis was diagnosed with progressive brain disease. Jim remained devoted to the end, caring for her and loving her, even after she was no longer really herself. Ann passed away on February 15, 2005. Though he longed for and grieved Ann every day, Jim Jarvis went on with life. He made many friends at his final earthly home, the Grand Reserve retirement community in McKinney. He enjoyed playing bridge. He became proficient with computers, and combined that with his love of music. He spent many hours on his computer creating musical programs of songs from the 30s, 40s and 50s, which he would perform at retirement communities and nursing homes in the area. He delighted in seeing persons with advanced dementia light up and even sing along when he performed the music of their youth. Jim Jarvis was a brilliant man. He loved to read, especially United States history and biographies. He read many periodicals and kept up with politics and current events, often writing letters to editors or responses to opinion pieces. He was an unabashed liberal, in a sea of conservatives. Jim loved his family the most. He often visited his Aunt Mary, age 105, at her home in Plano. He was happily looking forward to the wedding of his grandson, Andrew Jarvis Smith, to Katie Williams, next month. His last conversation (that we know of) was a telephone call with Andrew, in which they agreed that Andrew would have his wedding ring. He was extremely proud of both his grandchildren, Andrew, and Emily Elizabeth Smith, a primary school teacher in Austin, Texas. Jim Jarvis was a man who kept his promises. He was faithful to the end, to his Lord, his wife, his family and his convictions. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Jarvis; his parents, Ralph and Ruth Fowler Jarvis; his brothers, Jack Jarvis and Loren Jarvis; and his parents-in-law, Hazen and Bess (“Honey”) English. He is survived by his son, James L. Jarvis and wife Cynthia Jarvis, of Georgetown, Texas; his daughter Amy Elizabeth Smith and husband the Rev. Don Smith, of Katy, Texas; his granddaughter, Emily Elizabeth Smith, of Austin; his grandson Andrew Jarvis Smith of Dallas; his aunt, Mary Melberg, of Plano; his niece and nephews Cheryl Jarvis Steinwedel, Jeff Jarvis and Mark Jarvis of Ohio and Keith Jarvis, of Tennessee; his cousin, Jennifer Anderson, of Plano; his brother-in-law Bill English and wife Janet English, of Middleton, Wisconsin; and niece Betsy English Forester of Verona, Wisconsin. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2010, 12:00 noon, at Custer Road United Methodist Church, in Plano, Texas. The family will receive friends at a visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday evening at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas. Memorial Gifts may be made to the United Methodist Commission on Relief at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/.