James Tarver

Viewing & Service
11:00am - 2:00pm
Monday, March 14, 2022

Serenity Funeral Home
1140 Almond Tree Lane
Las Vegas, NV, 89104

James Louis Tarver, born October 21, 1924, to Bertha and Louis Tarver, in Madison, Illinois. James was an only child, which explains a lot. The family would later move to Birmingham, Alabama where he grew up and called home. 

Early years

James was a curious little boy and loved school an his classmates. During elementary school he was president of the Safety Council, Jr. Red cross, and Class President. Academics were easy for James, and he excelled in history and math. His love for music led to learning to play the drums and he medaled in track and field running the 80 and 100 yard dash and 220 relay. 

During the high school years, James was the Vice President of the Student Body Council and President of the Usher Club. In his senior year, dad was drafted for World War II and proudly served his country. After the war he found work with US Plywood as a truck driver and lived life to the fullest. It wouldn't be until 2007 that dad would receive a high school diploma. This honor meant a lot to dad as he never imagined he would get his diploma. 

California

James was looking for a change and decided to move to California and lived with his cousin. Taking a job in Loma Linda and meeting the love of his life Esther, was the best thing to ever happen to him. They would go on to have three children together, however, Mary his step-daughter made the family complete. With a new family and home within about 5 years, he was very happy. 

A new job was on the horizon and now James was working for the city of San Bernardino, as a Community Relations Specialist, in the Redevelopment Agency. This jpb allowed him to flourish with his social skills and his canny ability to easily strike up a conversation. He worked with many different people to help establish a recreation center for the Delman Heights Community. 

After a summer vacation to Omaha, Nebraska to visit a cousin, the decision was made to move there. Working for Western Electric only lasted 5 years and it was back to sunny California. James went to work for Santa Fe Railroad upon return to San Bernardino. This was home for the next 40 years. Coaching little league, bowling, photography, and vegetable gardening were some of dad's favorite things to do.

As James and Esther were aging, they decided to move to Las Vegas to be near their grandkids. Over the last 8 year Vegas was home for James and he loved seeing the grandkids and visiting his favorite casino, which was the one he would "win" at during that visit. 

James' outlook on life was to be grateful for your opportunities and go after "it". Don't wait for a handout and be your own person. This attitude served him well. 

In addition to raising four children, James also raised two grandsons Daniel and James. James is survived by his wife Esther Tarver, Daughters Beverly Winn and Mary Schwartz, sons Louis Tarver II and Charles Tarver III, grandchildren Daniel Tarver, Louis Tarver Jr, Ashley Kerrwinn, Joshua Bowden, Rosemary Morfin, James Tarver II, Charles Tarver,  great grand children Destiny, Desiree, Keira, Kyle, and Kaden Tarver, Adelina, Arianna, Jackson Morfin, Daniel Tarver Jr, and Michael and Raphael Bowen. 

James Louis Tarver was preceded in death by three siblings, his mother and father Bertha Mae and Louis Delaware Tarver.