Alexander Lee Jarvis, known affectionately to friends and family as Alex, passed away on September 7, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
Alex leaves behind his wife, Jillian Jarvis, and daughters Delilah and Hayley, and countless family members and friends.
Born on July 29, 1984, in Kenton, Ohio, Alex’s infectious laughter and generous spirit brought light into the lives of all who knew him.
Alex’s early life in Logan County was marked by a love of learning and community involvement, which he carried with him through his years. He was the cherished son of Tom and Rita Jarvis, and the beloved brother of Lucy Vanderhoff and Max Jarvis. Alex’s formative years were spent forging bonds and memories that would last a lifetime.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Ohio Northern University, where he found true brotherhood in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Post-college, Alex found his true calling as an educator.
For eleven years, Alex dedicated himself to teaching high school students, where he was much more than a teacher; he was a coach, a mentor, and a role model.
As a devout Catholic, Alex lived his faith through his actions. It was this faith that gave him the strength to face his illness with courage and dignity.
Alex was a family man through and through. The love story he shared with his wife, Jillian, was one for the ages — built on true connection, endless support, and a shared joy for life’s many pleasures from traveling to sporting events to musicals to craft beer and fine wine. Their two beautiful daughters, Delilah and Hayley, were the center of Alex’s universe. His love for them was immeasurable, and he instilled in them the values of love and kindness while making every day filled with humor and laughter.
Alex was a sports enthusiast, reveling in the thrill of the game, whether he was playing, coaching, or cheering from the sidelines. Alex grew up a lifelong Buckeyes, Bengals, and Reds fan and followed the Columbus Crew and Blue Jackets from the start. Alex knew every random fact of his teams and could recite every detail of thirty years of NFL drafts.
In addition to sports, he had a true passion for history. His love for history was not just a subject he taught, but a lens through which he viewed the world — it was important to him to learn from the past to create a better future. But it was his love for his family and friends that truly defined him.
Those who knew Alex will remember him as the epitome of a good friend — funny, friendly, and selfless. His ability to see the good in people and situations, even in challenging times, was a gift that he shared with everyone around him.
His laughter was contagious, his friendship was a treasure, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. As we say goodbye to Alex, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and joy. We will miss his laughter, his friendship, and his unwavering positivity, but we take solace in the love and memories he leaves behind. Rest in peace, dear Alex; your journey was one of love, and your memory will be cherished forever.
Visitation will be Sunday, September 14, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Hill Funeral Home, 220 South State Street, Westerville, OH,43081.
A funeral mass will be Monday, September 15, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 313 N. State St., Westerville, OH 43081.
