John Jervis Obituary

John Paul Jervis, "The Maestro", 77, died March 26, 2021, after a stroke, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence, KS. John was born in Cambridge, MA on New Year's Day 1944 to Rita L. Clarke (died 1983) and John P Jervis Sr. (died 1990). He was preceded in death by brothers Alan C Jervis in 2012 and Paul J Jervis in 2014. He is survived by brother, Mark M Jervis, sister, Ramona A Manes, niece, Susan R Jervis, son, David Shelton, and many, many friends in Lawrence and all over the country.

Jervis made music his way of life starting at age 15, in 16-hour disciplined sessions mandated by himself. One year later, he knew music would be a lifelong career. He was fluent in classical guitar and was an ever-present personality in the community of Lawrence, KS. Typically seen as an elegant figure in silvery-white hair, blazer jacket and his aged and well-traveled guitar case. He always had his guitar ready to teach or perform at a moment's notice.

Over his more than twenty-year residency in the Lawrence area, he was well-known for his precision performances at coffeehouses, restaurants, cafes and book stores all over town, including Fifi's, Scarlet Orchid, Panera Bread Company, The Raven, and countless others.

He was a regular feature at the Blintz Brunch held annually at the Lawrence Jewish Community center. He performed numerous public concerts at Signs of Life and the Lawrence Public Library. He would often share historical anecdotes related to the guitar pieces he was performing, which usually included music by his favorite Renaissance, Baroque, Early Modern Spanish, and South American composers. He reproduced and transcribed works by Bach, Weiss, Tarrega, Debussy and others, as well as created 3,000 original works.

John was a lover of all art forms, a prolific poet, and an amazing raconteur. He was also quite skilled at drawing and portraiture. His later years were devoted to finishing and compiling volumes of manuscripts of poetry and original compositions, which have been preserved for future readers and listeners. In 2013, he was awarded a Phoenix Award by the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission for his artistic contributions to the community.

John came to Lawrence after a lifetime of traveling and performing all over the country. Along with curious historical tidbits, he loved to share tales of palling around with the likes of Tiny Tim, Peter Tork, Chuck Berry, Richie Havens, Kris Kristofferson, and Bob Dylan. His lively storytelling might have included his memories of hosting poetry readings at the Blacksmith's House in Cambridge, Mass, or hitching a cross-country ride with famous director John Houston.

John will be well remembered by all who knew him for his vision of a life of embracing adventure, beauty, and the arts.

Putting "John Jervis" in YouTube brings up many of John's performances.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date to be held at the South Park gazebo in Lawrence.