June 13, 2024
The Jarvis Family,
The UPS family mourns the loss of Ken Jarvis – a UPSer who served our company for more than 37 years, leaving a legacy of incredible service and trailblazing leadership. From the beginning of his career in 1957 as our first African American package car driver, to his retirement as a Vice President of Human Resources, Ken left a lasting mark on UPS and our people.
We are grateful for Ken’s dedication and strong work ethic throughout his time at UPS. He made a difference in so many ways, and I feel blessed to have met him in my early days as CEO. Through our brief encounter, Ken taught me important lessons about love and leadership. He was a role model for those who worked with him, and he opened doors for countless others. Ken’s commitment to fostering a culture of diversity and opportunity has been instrumental to our company’s success and will benefit our business for generations to come.
We are in awe of Ken’s UPS achievements and his post-retirement work as the co-founder of The MARCH Foundation. His tireless efforts to support the education of African American youth through scholarships to Historically Black Colleges and Universities was monumental.
Our founder, Jim Casey, greatly admired Ken, and Ken returned the admiration by embodying Jim’s principles. And as I think about our company’s purpose today – moving our world forward by delivering what matters – I’m reminded that Ken truly delivered what matters. His example and impact continue to ripple across our company, reaching more than 400,000 UPSers in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. But Ken’s impact doesn’t stop there. He blazed trails that have made a positive difference in the logistics industry, in corporate America and in society at large.
On behalf of our board, our executive team and every UPSer, we offer our deepest sympathies. Ken will be missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing him, but his powerful impact will endure.
We wish you and your family peace, comfort and love during this difficult time.
With heartfelt condolences,
Carol B. Tomé
Chief Executive Officer, UPS
Learn more about Ken’s impact at UPS here