He was Atlanta's starting pitcher in Game 3 of the 1969 National League Championship Series, played at Shea Stadium in New York City.

A first-inning Hank Aaron home run staked Jarvis to a 2-0 lead, but he ended up the losing pitcher in a 7-4 defeat to the New York Mets.

He surrendered Ernie Banks' 500th career MLB home run in the second inning of the Braves' 11-inning 4–3 loss to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 12, 1970.

[3] Standing 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighing 180 pounds (82 kg), he gained the nickname "The Little Bulldog" during his time in the major league.

After retiring from baseball, Jarvis served in several government positions in the state of Georgia, including Sheriff of DeKalb County.