MARS HILL: James Willard Jarvis Jr., 80, of 276 North Turkey Branch, passed away unexpectedly Monday, January 24, 2011 at his residence. He was a native and lifelong resident of Madison County and a son of the late James W. Jarvis Sr. and Mary George Jarvis. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Mary Cecil Jarvis of sixty one years who died last January, three brothers; Carmel, Holder and Hillard Jarvis, five sisters; Jaxie Jamerson, Bertha Moss, Alma Jarvis, Helen Jarvis and Willie Coates. James was formerly employed at Hadley Corporation and Vanderbilt Shirt Company, he also farmed, raised tobacco, tomatoes and strawberries and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. He was a graduate of Mars Hill High School, class of 1948 where he was the center on the basketball team. Surviving are his daughter, Rebekah Wilson, son-in-law, Bobby Wilson, grandson, Casey Wilson and granddaughter, Caitlin Wilson, sisters; Katherine Ramsey and husband James, Ruby Snelson and husband Osborne and Johnnie Allen. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, January 26, 2011 in Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Rev. Troy Rogers will officiate. Burial will follow in Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. James will be remembered for his love of his family, his farm and animals, NC politics, Carolina basketball and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.