Obituary of Jeffrey L. Jarvis

Jeffrey L. Jarvis, 58, a retired natural resources manager with the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management passed away at home on October 13th, in the company of his family and friends. Jeff dedicated his life to the preservation of America’s wild lands and rivers. He spent the last 11 years of his career in Washington, DC working to shape and implement the BLM’s National Landscape Conservation System. The 27-million acre System encompasses red-rock deserts and rugged ocean coastlines, deep river canyons and broad Alaskan tundra. Jeff was born in Marietta, Ohio on February 18, 1953. His love of nature was obvious from the beginning. As a boy, Jeff collected a menagerie of animal companions and explored the woods and creeks outside Columbus. After graduating from Gahanna Lincoln High School, he earned a degree in Natural Resources from The Ohio State University in 1975. In New Mexico, he met and married Donita Cotter. Together,they took on new adventures in Idaho, California, Arizona, and finally Northern Virginia. Each location presented new and interesting opportunities. Jeff raised sheep, floated rivers, bred registered Texas Longhorns and learned to sail. His curiosity, generosity and humor entertained folks from all walks of life. Jeff adored his daughter, Zoe, and championed her artistic talents. When she was as young as three, he would ask friends, “Have you seen Zoe’s portfolio?” and this enthusiastic encouragement continued through her recent entry to Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. He was enthralled with her ability to play piano; he taught her the difference between“urgent” and “important.” His deep love for her will not be forgotten. In addition to his wife, Donita C. Cotter, and daughter, Zoe Linn Soo-Hee, Jeff is survived by his mother, Jean, father, Raymond, and siblings Greg (Nola), Mike (Carole), Chris (Linda), Becky (Jim Whittington) and Laurie (Craig Philips), as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wildlands Network. Dear Friends, Loved Ones and Relatives of Jeff Jarvis and the Jarvis and Cotter families. Please join us in a Celebration of Life Service and Reception on Sunday, November 20th, from 3 to 5 pm at the Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church, 10125 Lakehaven Court, in Burke, Virginia. You are invited to gather with us, to meet other friends and family, to share stories and memories, to laugh and cry, to celebrate Jeff’s life and passions. We look forward to seeing you. Donita and Zoe