Joe Jarrett

Joe Nelson Jarrett, M.D, formerly of Oak Hill, WV died Tuesday, April 27, 2004, in Myrtle Beach, SC. Born November 13,1914, Morgantown, WV he was the son of the late Rev. Charles Newton Jarrett and Edna Scott Jarrett. Dr. Jarrett received his B.S. in Medicine from West Virginia University in 1937 graduating Magna Cum Laude and his M.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1939 and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. As an officer in the Medical Corps of the United States Army Air Force during World War II, Dr. Jarrett was stationed at the Air Force Base in Boca Raton, Florida, where, in addition to his medical duties, he obtained his pilot's license affirming what would become his life-long love of flying. After his discharge from the Army in June 1946, he and his wife, Astri, settled in Oak Hill, West Virginia, where he established a successful medical practice. Dr. Jarrett was a charter member of the American Association of Family Practice, and the West Virginia Association of Family Physicians; a member of the American Medical Association, the West Virginia State Medical Society, the Fayette County Medical Association, the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, and the West Virginia Academy of General Practice. He was instrumental in the development of Oak Hill Hospital (now Plateau Medical Center). As a highly respected physician, Dr. Jarrett received many cherished honors, including "Doctor of the Year" and "Mister Doc of West Virginia". He was a member of the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association, the Flying Physicians Association and was Medical Officer of the Fayette Squadron, Civil Air Patrol. Dr. Jarrett was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Oak Hill, where he served as Trustee, Elder, and long-time choir member. He was also active in the Lion's Club having served as its President and Director. Dr. Jarrett retired from his medical practice in 1989 at the age of 75. His last years were filled with constant traveling, both in the air and on land. His charitable work continued as well, and included several years as a literacy volunteer, until he could no longer see well enough to read himself. He died peacefully in his sleep at the Myrtle Beach Manor. He was preceded in death by his elder brother, Scott. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Astri Larsen Jarrett; his younger brother, Robert Jarrett and his wife, Celia, of Charlotte, NC.; his four children-Sandra Jarrett, William Scott Jarrett and his wife, Rieko, Joe Nelson Jarrett, Jr. and his wife, Nancy, and Jennifer Jarrett and her husband, Charles Moroney; four grandchildren- Flynn Jarrett, Luke Jarrett, Kelly Jo Jarrett Catanese, and Jennifer Maria Ringdal; a great- grandson, Everett Nelson Jarrett. A visitation will be on Thursday, April 29, 2004, at 6 to 8 PM at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill, WV. The funeral service will be held Friday at 11 AM at the First Presbyterian Church in Oak Hill with Rev. Diarmuid O’Hara officiating. Burial will follow at High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill with military graveside rites by VFW Post #3110. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Oak Hill, 250 Central Ave., Oak Hill, WV, 25901, or the charity of one's choice.