Name: Visitation for John Jarvi
Start: 2023-03-25T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-03-25T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Klaassen Family Funeral Home - Grand Haven

John Robert Jarvi, age 74 of Spring Lake died on March 15, 2023 at AdventHealth Heart of Florida.

John was born June 19, 1948 in Grand Rapids, MI to the late Carl "Bob" and E. Loraine (Tedrick) Jarvi.

After graduating from Wyoming Park High School, he went to Western Michigan University and earned both a Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in education. It was while attending Western he met the love of his life, and later married Joann Kirsh.

While attending WMU John was actively working for the Western Herald covering sporting events. Based upon that experience, and after graduation from WMU John got a job with the Muskegon Chronicle covering the sports beat, where he was best known for his journalistic talent covering sports throughout the State of Michigan for over 40 years.

He enjoyed planning and escorting many bus trips to sporting events and other attractions for Orchard View Travelers for over 20 years.

John retired from teaching United States History from Orchard View Schools and also taught at Grand Haven Community Education. In his retirement he kept busy officiating high school and college track meets around the state and was a founding member of the ALL-Star Track Meet, and keeper of the West Michigan Track Invitational Facebook site, posting news of area students as they participated in track meets around the country.

He was a vibrant guy, and avid reader of five newspapers daily, often clipping articles and mailing them to friends and family of the recipient of the subject matter.

John was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church of the Dunes where he and Joann attended for many decades.

To be loved by John was to be razed by John. He remembered the names of your whole family and the details of their lives and would inquire genuinely about them each time you saw him.

He was never at a loss for a sports metaphor, a fun anecdote, a reminder that his favorite team had just beat yours - again.

He was a proud and devoted husband, father, brother, friend and Grampie. John is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Joann; children Steven (Joanne) Jarvi, Katie Jarvi; and his two grandchildren Noah and Alice; siblings Mary (John) Bilski, Bill (Linda) Jarvi, and Cindi (Ron) Bylsma.

The Memorial service will be on Saturday March 25, at 2:00 p.m. from Klaassen Family Funeral Home with pastor Tim Taylor Officiating. Visitation with friends and family will be from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation or WMU Broncos Athletics fund for Scholarship. Please visit www.Klaassenfuneralhome.com to sign John's online guest book .

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Grand Haven Tribune from Mar. 16 to Mar. 21, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for John Jarvi

14 Entries

Darrell Puls

June 15, 2023

I've been friends with John since junior high school to the present day. I had no idea he was gone until a few minutes ago when informed by a mutual friend, Bruce Lindgren. Even though I live 2000 miles away, John could always bring me back to our high school days with a story about our teachers and coaches. He was a good man and will be missed by many.

Christopher Fitzpatrick

April 19, 2023

John Jarvi was a name that was synonymous with West Michigan High School sports. Condolences to the Jarvi family. RIP

Linda

April 3, 2023

Heartfelt condolences!
From the children of Tom Morris

Otto Borgeson

March 28, 2023

A very underated reporter of high school sports . One of the few who could get it right. Rest in peace, my friend.

Joe Frazine

March 22, 2023

I worked with John over the years as President of the Greater Muskegon Golf Association, especially with the Henderson Match Play that was sponsored by the Muskegon Chronicle. We spoke about other topics outside of our golf meetings, John was very knowledgeable on different subjects. He was a great conversationalist and a fine man. He will be missed.

Jerry & Sheila Fitzpatrick

March 22, 2023

Dear Joann,Steven, & Katie
So sorry to hear of the loss of your husband & dad. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
John was an athlete's sports reporter. He would often spend hours on his story just to get it right. Sometimes even calling the athlete at home for his interview.
We also were on many of his well planned bus trips through
Orchard View Travelers.
One of our fondest memories with John & Joann was a visit to South Beach, FL. to watch their son Steven perform in a concert.
John was a true friend to our family and a great sports reporter.
Jerry & Sheila Fitzpatrick

Jesse and keith vandyke

March 21, 2023

So sorry to hear about Johns passing. He was so proud of his family always having a story to tell.

Chuck Hulce

March 21, 2023

So sorry for the family´s loss. I´ve known John since he went to work for the Muskegon Chronicle in the 1970s.

Jerry Bowersox

Planted Trees

Jerry Bowersox

March 20, 2023

John was generous, funny and intelligent among so many other good things. Come to find out he knew so many people I knew in the old days. He had great stories that I would retell. Since knowing him for the last 10 years, we officiated and traveled together. I considered him a best friend and I will miss him dearly. He was a big influence on me and on many others. My condolences, prayers and good thoughts go to his family! Rest in Piece good friend. Jerry Bowersox

Nancy and Bill Burmeister

March 18, 2023

We always treasured our time officiating track with John. He was a joy to be with. Our deepest condolences to his family.

Nancy and Bill Burmeister

Mary Picucci

March 18, 2023

Worked with John at many track meets-my condolences to the family-he will be missed. He always had a story to tell us!

Jeff Cunningham

March 17, 2023

So very sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a wonderful friend to me and at work made me a better journalist.

Steve and Cathy Baker

March 16, 2023

Joanne, Steve and I are so sorry to hear about John. If we can make it, we will be there. Katie was able to get in touch with Debby though Facebook. Low to all of you.
Steve and Cathy

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