James Salem “Jim” Jarvis was born in Spirit River, AB on May 30, 1917. He was part of a twin birth; his brother was William Albert “Dick” Jarvis who also served in World War II. The family came to Spirit River from Wisconsin in 1915 and built a homestead six miles northwest of Spirit River in Spirit Valley area on the SE 7-79-6-W6. There was always lots of music in the house as he grew up, especially during threshing time when the crew would join. James was known as musical and would often play the piano for community dances. He is buried in the Westlock cemetery having passed away on July 25, 1995 at 78 years old. During the war he served on the RCOC (Royal Canadian Ordinance Corps which is an administrative arm of the Canadian Army which procured materials and goods, then later was involved in maintenance and repair for the army. His gravestone shows his rank as CSM (Company Sergent-Major, senior non-commissioned officer in a company).
In the “Chepi Sepe – Spirit River” account, it mentions him marrying and moving to Westlock, however there is no date mentioned.
- “Chepi Sepe – Spirit River” (1982), published by Spirit River History Book Committee (p 525).