BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The “Thomas W. Jarrett Memorial Fund” was established in memory of Dr. Thomas W. Jarrett by his children, Allison and Jordan Jarrett. This field of interest fund will provide economic impact with an emphasis on environmental causes.
Tom was a 1968 graduate of Greenbrier Military School and went on to WVU for his undergraduate studies. He continued his education in Morgantown at WVU School of Dentistry, graduating in 1975. Following in his father’s footsteps, he decided to pursue a postdoctoral degree in orthodontics, for which he attended St. Louis University.
“My dad was a driven person. Driven to make the world around him a better place and to improve the lives of the people he encountered. The world will miss that drive and I will miss my dad.” — Allison Jarrett | Tom’s Daughter
In 1977, Tom moved to Beckley and opened his orthodontic practice. He was an active member of the dental community and the Beckley area. He was a member of the American Dental Association and the WV Dental Association, as well as a member of the American Association of Orthodontics and past president of the WV Association of Orthodontics. Tom served on the boards of the New River Dental Society and the Southern Association of Orthodontics. He was a Diplomat of the International College of Dentists and a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics. He was on faculty at the WVU School of Dentistry in the orthodontics department for over 30 years. Tom loved his profession, and teaching orthodontics to students brought him great joy. The influence he had on the dental community was far-reaching. In dentistry and beyond, he was a mentor to many.
“The intersection of dad’s heart was his love for the community of Beckley and the deep connection with the outdoors. Whether immersed in nature or brainstorming ways to enhance Beckley’s vibrancy, his passion would shine bright. The moments dad spent outside would always invigorate his spirits, as if experiencing it for the first time, always in awe of how it all works together, seeing Beckley’s true gifts. Dad had a knack for turning ordinary things into memorable adventures, always seeming to make his mark.
Through this fund, we aspire to honor his legacy of unwavering enthusiasm and dedication to fostering a stronger, more vibrant community. Dad’s memory continues to inspire us, urging us to work together to contribute and nurture the community he cherished.
No words, fund, or sum of money can fill the void of his absence, we can only hope to embody his tenacity, dedication, and spirit, aiming to make a lasting impact on the place he loved and fantasized more for.” — Jordan Jarrett | Tom’s Son
Tom loved his community and wanted to see it flourish. He was on the board of directors of Beckley Area Foundation, instrumental in building the YMCA Youth Soccer Complex, founder of Citizen Southern Bank, and developer of Brookshire Professional Park. He was involved in starting FORWARD WV for economic development. He was an originator of Chili Night, a volunteer for Mac’s Toy Fund, involved in the Youth Museum, helped design the Peace Totem, started Foster’s Hardware Restaurant, contributed to the F.O.L.K. project and Operation Backpack. He was an advocate and supporter of the Raleigh County Humane Society.
“Tom Jarrett was the true spirit of Beckley and Raleigh County, and all of southern West Virginia! His endless enthusiasm, dreams, and desire to make this a better community and a better place to live for all is a testament to his character. Losing Tom was a tremendous blow to our community, although we can take comfort knowing that Tom would want us to continue with the spirit and drive to improve and make our community a better place to live for all!” — John Wooton | Tom’s Friend
He was an avid outdoorsman and loved being in nature. Appointed by the governor, he was a DNR commissioner. He loved to fish, hike, golf, and bike. He was a founder of Glade Creek Trout Association, champion of the inaugural Glade Spring’s member-guest, and back-to-back Black Knight club champion. Being a youth sports coach, he impacted countless young people’s lives.
Tom was a devoted father and displayed his love for his children every day. He was proud for his children to be fourth-generation dentists and to carry on the tradition of serving the people of WV continuously since 1901.
Thanks to a generous gift provided in the will of Dr. Thomas Jarrett, any donation to this fund will be matched DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR, up to $250,000.00 until October 22, 2025 or the match is exhausted. Additional details on this matching opportunity will be announced soon.
Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “Thomas Jarrett” in the memo to BAF, 1210 South Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801 or visit bafwv.org to donate online. If you are interested in starting a fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email info@bafwv.org.
