Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Jimmie Ray Jarvis, 81, of Savoy, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 29, 2025.

Mr. Jarvis was born December 12, 1943, to D.B. “Red” and Irma Lou Jarvis in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was a Christian and a man of quiet faith who loved his wife, his family, old cars, and aviation. A true public servant and patriot, he was a veteran of the United States Air Force and retired from the Oklahoma Air National Guard with over 32 years of combined active and reserve military service. In addition, he served as an Airworthiness and Manufacturing Aviation Safety Inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 59½ years, Carole Sue Casada Jarvis.

Mr. Jarvis, or “Jim” as he preferred to be called, had a lifelong interest in aviation that began when he was a young airman on active duty with the Air Force. Several years after separating from active duty, Jim joined the Oklahoma Air National Guard and served with the 185th Tactical Airlift Squadron. He worked his way up from aircraft mechanic to flight crew, serving as a Flight Engineer on Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft, and ultimately retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant.

Jim retired from the FAA in 2004. Throughout his FAA career, he worked for both the Flight Standards Service and the Aircraft Certification Service, collaborating with many international civil aviation authorities as well as the Experimental Aircraft Association. Aviation safety was deeply important to him. As an Aviation Safety Inspector, he authored numerous airworthiness directives, advisory circulars, and other guidance, including the Amateur-Built Aircraft Kit. He was also part of the restoration of N-34; and also served on the aircrew of N-34, the FAA’s historic flight inspection aircraft that was later donated to the Amarillo Air & Space Museum in 2014.

Jim’s Masonic activities were also very important to him. He joined Tuttle Masonic Lodge #405 in Tuttle, Oklahoma, in 1982 and was raised to the degree of Master Mason in 1983. After retiring to Savoy, Texas, he transferred to Bells Lodge #798 in Bells, Texas, in 2008 and became an endowed member in 2010. He was also a dual member of Ector Lodge #687 in Ector, Texas. He served Bells Lodge as Secretary for several years and was a Past Master of Ector Lodge.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; two sisters; and three grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Carole, of the home, survivors include his son, Michael Jarvis of Irving, Texas; his daughter, Christi Risley (Josh) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and his beloved grandchildren: Kayla Harlow, Kimberlea Harlow (Lauren), Blake Harlow, Miles Jarvis, Hailey Risley, and Merrick Risley. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Pinkston, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bells Masonic Lodge #798 to the Jim Jarvis Memorial Scholarship Fund. Mail checks to 102 West North Street, Bells, Texas 75414.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church 207 S. Ashford Street Savoy, Texas 75479. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Hall Cemetery in Howe, Texas.