U.S. Army · United States 
Vern Jarvis
1969
Vern M. Jarvis served the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Edged weapon
What Happened
Correctional Officer Vern Jarvis was stabbed 26 times with a homemade knife while on duty in the prisoners living quarters of the United States Penitentiary in Marion, Illinois. His body was found hidden in a utility closet by another officer. An investigation revealed that he had been stabbed by a prisoner who was seeking revenge against Officer Jarvis because the officer had confiscated the inmate's candy, fruit, and magazines when the inmate had been sent to a segregation unit. The inmate was convicted of Officer Jarvis' murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was moved to Oregon State Penitentiary in 1982. Correctional Officer Jarvis was a US Army Veteran of 21 years and served in WWII and the Korean War. He had served with the Federal Bureau of Prisons for 2 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, sister, and two brothers.
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Prisons
Correctional Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmjx6epcz0dsdd27qbh4
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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