[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 103 (Tuesday, June 18, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO KEN JARVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 18, 2024

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a trailblazer, 
philanthropist, and community leader. Kenneth B. Jarvis transitioned 
from this life on June 3, 2024. Though he no longer walks among us, his 
spirit will forever reside in the hearts of those who had the privilege 
of knowing him.
  Ken, as he was affectionately known, was born in 1934 in San 
Francisco, California. From a young age, Ken learned timeless values 
that he carried throughout his life: respect, fortitude, and leading by 
example. He graduated from Polytechnic High School and then enlisted in 
the United States Air Force.
  After his service with the Air Force, Ken returned to San Francisco 
and joined the United Parcel Service (UPS), where he made history as 
the company's first African American package car driver. Ken quickly 
rose through the ranks of UPS, relocating to Illinois and then Plano, 
Texas, where he was tasked with establishing the Southwest region of 
UPS. Throughout Ken's 37-year career with UPS, he opened their doors to 
thousands of qualified and diverse applicants. Ultimately serving as 
the Vice President of Human Resources before retiring in 1994, he used 
his platform to promote inclusive policies and foster a culture of 
diversity and opportunity.
  Ken's career advancements also provided him with the opportunity to 
further his commitment to community service. In Plano, he worked 
tirelessly to strengthen the fabric of the community by initiating 
programs aimed at fostering unity, inclusivity, and prosperity for all 
residents. In retirement, Ken served on various boards and committees, 
including Texas Health Resources, the Plano Symphony, and the Plano 
Police Civilian Review Board. Ken co-founded the Mutual Alliance 
Restoring Community Hope (MARCH) Foundation, which has provided over 
2,000 grants and scholarships for young African Americans entering 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities. After Ken's wife, Kay, 
was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Ken began the H. Kay Jarvis 
Alzheimer's Research Endowment to support research on the disease.
  Left to cherish his memory are his son, Kenneth B. Jarvis II; 
daughter, Michele Jarvis Kindred; granddaughter, Krystal N. Jarvis; 
grandson, Kenneth B. Jarvis III; great-granddaughter, Ariela Giles; and 
many more.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge you and our colleagues to join me in honoring the 
life of Ken Jarvis. Ken was more than a leader; he was a source of 
inspiration for all who had the privilege of knowing him. Through his 
guidance and encouragement, he paved the way for countless individuals 
to achieve their dreams and aspirations. May we continue to cherish his 
memory for years to come.

                          ____________________