[2][3][4][5] Jarvis played collegiately at Three Rivers Community College for two years before completing his eligibility at Arkansas State.
He was primarily a catcher, and also played a short semi-pro career before turning to coaching.
The program was consistently ranked under Jarvis, and he was named a three time Midwest Community College Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.
In 1994, Jarvis made the jump to Division I, serving as an assistant at Murray State, with responsibilities for hitters and catchers, and helping in recruiting the junior college ranks.
The Bruins claimed A-Sun conference titles in 2011 and 2012, and appeared in the NCAA Regional Final against Vanderbilt in 2011.