Jason Robert Jarvis

Jason Robert Jarvis, 46, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away on December 28, 2023, at the University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

Jason was born on January 3, 1977, in Moberly, Missouri to Michael Jarvis and Mary (Miles) Jarvis. He was the New Year’s baby of 1977 in Randolph County. Jason was a graduate of Rock Bridge High School in Columbia.

Jason was known to be very athletic and had been offered several scholarships to play basketball from The University of Kentucky and Mizzou, however, his life would take a different course when he was involved in a motorcycle accident that would leave him paralyzed from the waist down at the age of 17. His interests shifted to educating people about the importance of safe driving and then went on to become a motivational speaker for Think First, thru the University of Missouri, spending the next several years traveling to different schools throughout Missouri talking to junior high and high school students about the importance of driving and riding in a safe manner. He was inspirational, motivational, and most importantly, relatable. Jason would end the speech he gave having had every student’s full attention. Having never let his disability slow him down, Jason soon would travel to Florida, with his mother, to participate in the Special Olympics for wheelchair racing. It was not a surprise to those that knew him, he brought back 5 Gold Medals, having placed first in each race he entered. Jason would go on to be active in both the community and sports, playing wheelchair basketball and giving his time to various organizations. He enjoyed spending time at the local skate park and would get out there with the best of them, doing tricks in his wheelchair. Jason had always been adventurous and loved doing anything outdoors. His family was always so proud of how he overcame every obstacle he had ever faced, with a smile on his face. Jason’s love for life was infectious and will never be forgotten.

Jason is proceeded in death by his mother, Mary (Miles) Nanneman, his maternal grandmother, Dorothy Miles and his paternal grandparents, Bob and Majorie Jarvis.

He is survived by his father, Michael Jarvis of Fulton, MO; his sister, Meggan Nickerson of Madison, MO; nephew Peyton Nickerson of Madison, MO, niece, Kensie Nickerson of Madison, MO, aunts Carol Ackery of Macon, MO, Robin Jarvis of Moberly, MO, uncles, Mark (Elaine) Jarvis of Columbia, MO and Matthew Jarvis of Ashland, MO, as well as many extended family and friends. Jason also had a special bond with his cousin, Susie Jacobs, of New Cambria, MO.

A memorial service and celebration honoring Jason’s life is being held at a later date.

Every time I think of you, I smile.

Local arrangements are under the direction of PATHWAY-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 411 Union Avenue, Moberly, Missouri 65270 (660) 263-7284. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.pathwaymemorial.com.