Reverend Dr. David Franklin Jarvis II, at age 89, departed for his heavenly home in the early morning hours on October 3, 2026. He leaves behind his beloved Virginia (“Ginny Lou” as he lovingly called her), his faithful partner of over 63 years. He adored his two sons and their families – David and Justine (Miller) of Berryville, VA, and Chris and Lisa (Lavigne) of Kitchener, Ontario, and his dear grandchildren Savannah, Makenna, Mason, Elsie, Wesley, Brigitte, Leo, and Adam. He is survived by his two sisters, Gay Meeks (Freddie, children Steven and Lisa) of Newport News, VA, and Carole Mayo (children Jennifer, Beth, and Chris) of Cary, NC.
He is predeceased by his parents, David Franklin Jarvis and Frances (Morgan) and Ginny’s parents Aurthur Walker and Alberta (Sauls).
Dave was born in Winston-Salem, NC in 1937, moving after three years and growing up in Newport News, VA. He often regaled family and friends with fond memories of fishing off the piers along the James River as a little boy. In 1953, as a 10th grader, he helped found Christ Methodist Church in Newport News. Dave also excelled as a tuba player with the award-winning marching band at Warwick High School. He entertained the pursuit of a music career, considering taking his talents to the University of Michigan.
However, a deeper, sacred call to the ministry led him to Randolph Macon College where he joined the Clericus as an aspiring Methodist clergy and graduated with a BA in history in 1959. From there he earned his MDiv from Duke University Divinity School in 1962. He was ordained as a deacon in the Methodist Church in 1960, and then an elder in 1964.
His first appointment was in High Point, NC at Wesley Memorial Methodist Church. He and Ginny wed on August 3, 1963. He furthered his academic pursuit by braving the upper west side of Manhattan for a year with his new bride, earning a Master of Sacred Theology from Union Theological Seminary in New York City in 1966.
Returning to the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church, he launched a remarkable 34 year career as a faithful servant, shepherding churches in Hanover County, Norfolk, Alexandria, Richmond, Salem, and Fairfax, including two appointments on the bishop’s cabinet as a District Superintendent (Richmond and Arlington). Beyond congregational work, he notably served as president of the Virginia Council of Churches as well as chairman of the Virginia Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.
Dave added a final framed diploma to the wall in 1988 when he was bestowed with the distinction of an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Randolph Macon for his ongoing, outstanding career of service. He then went on to spend 23 years as a member of the Board of Trustees of his cherished alma mater.
In 2000 he retired from active ministry and he and Ginny “came home” to Richmond and Centenary UMC where he could enjoy retirement as a choir member and congregant in the church to which he was appointed 4 different times during his career. Wanting to be closer to family, he and Ginny made “one last move” together to Winchester in 2017, where they found church home at Braddock Street UMC.
Dave ministered with a gifted combination of hermeneutical wisdom, oratorical skill, and tender pastoral presence. In all he did – as husband, father, grandfather, minister, mentor, and friend – he led with his generous heart, and valued humility and equanimity above all else. Even in his final days, as his body and mind were failing him, he continued to express with clarity and intention his gratitude and care for those around him.
Dave’s family would like to extend our deep gratitude to the people from Interim Health and Blue Ridge Hospice for their compassion and gentle care in these last months. We are also grateful for the community of The Village at Orchard Ridge where Dave and Ginny have found friendship and fellowship in these last nine years. We are indebted to Rev. Jason Duley and Rev. Jim Athearn for their gentle pastoral presence toward our family.
In one final act of generosity, Dave has given his body to research and will be cremated.
A funeral will take place at 1PM on Saturday October 24, 2026 at Centenary United Methodist Church, 411 E. Grace St. Richmond, VA 23219. Many thanks to Rev. Emily Bagwell and Rev. Matt Bates for their compassionate leadership to help celebrate Dave.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, online at www.umcmission.org/giving.
(Source: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/timesdispatch/name/david-jarvis-obituary?id=62706315)