Joseph McPherson Jarvis

Funeral Service Zoom Link - Joseph McPherson Jarvis - Saturday, October 25th, 2025 at 3:30pm. https://zoom.us/j/94114034999 Joseph McPherson Jarvis, 87, completed his mortal journey on October 21, 2025, in Murray, Utah, surrounded in love by his family. He was born May 31, 1938, in Bakersfield, California, to Leo Paul and Louise Coggeshall Jarvis. He was married for 65 years to Kathy Lynn Abbott, sealed in the Los Angeles Temple on September 1, 1960. Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather – these are the titles Joe cherished most. He began his pursuit of these titles in Bakersfield, California, raised in a loving home provided by his parents and siblings. After completing high school, he undertook both bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Humboldt State College, focused on his love of the science of nature. During this time, he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which he was introduced to by the young lady who would become his wife. His love of the Church and the Gospel of Jesus Christ remained at the center of his life to its end. Professional life took Joe and his family throughout the west to locations as different as Fallon, Nevada and Arcata, California. He paused his professional pursuits to serve in the U.S. Army, stationed at Sandy Hook, New Jersey, during some of the tensest moments of the Cold War. Joe’s professional pursuits ultimately brought his family to Cedar City, Utah, where they would reside for nearly 40 years as Joe moved from work with government agencies to the private sector as an environmental consultant. Any opportunity that got him outside and into nature was one Joe would eagerly accept, which meant fishing, camping and hunting were staples of the Jarvis family life. After retirement, Joe and Kathy eventually settled in Mink Creek, Idaho, where he could enjoy the beauty of nature every day and stay busy on his small farm. Joe served tirelessly in his church and community. He loved the scouting program and served as scoutmaster for many years. In total he served in nine different bishoprics, the first at age 23, and loved those experiences, especially serving the youth and young adults. With his wife, Kathy, Joe served two full-time missions for his church in Manchester, England and Johannesburg, South Africa, experiences that reinforced for them the reach and depth of God’s love for all His children. Joe dedicated much of his retired life to searching out his ancestors through genealogy and temple work, which brought him love and appreciation for those who had come before him. Through his tireless service, thousands have been blessed. For Joe, his family and his God always came first. He rejoiced in his posterity and found every opportunity to attend their events and special moments. His dedicated service to his family remained his focus through his final days; his witness of the Savior and His Gospel remained his gift to all. Joe lived valiantly and served selflessly. He simply knew no other way. Joe is survived by his wife, Kathy, his children, Jennifer Seamons (Jeff), Jamon Jarvis (Ann), Mary Erasmus (Leon), and Beau Jarvis, along with 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Alice Bowen, his brother, Bob Jarvis, and his brother-in-law, Greg Abbott. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Louise Jarvis, his brother-in-law, Carver Bowen, and his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Jarvis. A viewing will be held at the Mink Creek Ward building (7316 N Capitol Hill Rd, Preston, Idaho) on Saturday, October 25, 2025, beginning at 2 pm MT, followed by funeral services at 3:30 pm MT. Graveside services will be held at the Tonaquint Cemetery (1777 S. Dixie Dr., St. George, Utah) at 2 pm on Monday, October 27, 2025. Joe’s family wishes to thank the many medical professionals who attended to their father and husband, especially the nurses and doctors of the Neuro-ICU and Hospice teams at IHC hospital in Murray, Utah. Their kindness and professionalism were invaluable during a very challenging time. Additional thanks to the many friends and ward members who have reached out in love and support repeatedly. Please share memories and condolences at www.serentiyfhs.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the many organizations and charities that support the natural beauty and wonders surrounding us all.

Joseph McPherson Jarvis

May 31, 1938 - October 21, 2025