Jarrett, Jeffrey E.
North Kingstown
Jarrett, Jeffrey E., 85, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Elderwood of Scallop Shell in Wakefield with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Ruth Jarrett for 62 years. Born in New York City, he was a son of Herbert D. and Helen (Director) Jarrett.
Jeff received his undergrad from the University of Michigan then received his MBA and Ph.D. in Education from New York University earning the Ford Foundation and Sears Roebuck Fellowships. He briefly served as an NYU Graduate Assistant. Jeff was dedicated to higher education. He taught at three universities throughout his career. He started at the University of Scranton in PA, then continued to the Wayne State University. Once he reached Rhode Island, he became a professor at the University of Rhode Island where he remained for 49 years, retiring in 2020. Jeff made use of his time here by dedicating his energies to the future minds of America. He served in many committees in the URI community. While serving in multiple professional societies, he received multiple honors associated with his faculty research projects and contributions to over 300 journal articles and textbooks. Jeff loved traveling and photography and had a vast collection of his pictures from all over the world. He was an avid NY sports fan as well as a fan of University of Michigan sports teams.
Devoted father of Michael (Lori) Jarrett of Cumberland, RI, Dan (Beth) Jarrett of Lutherville, MD and Debra Jarrett of Encinitas, CA. Dear brother of Steven (Janice) Jarrett of Los Altos, CA. Loving grandfather of Sam, Brooke, Bradley, Emily and KC.
Funeral services will be held Monday, February 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Congregation Beth David, 102 Kingstown Rd, Narragansett, RI 02882. Shiva will be observed at his late residence, Monday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday 2-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to URI Hillel or a charity of your choice.
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My deepest condolences to the Jarrett family.
Karen
Ruth & family, please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Jeff.
I worked with Jeff for several years at URI. He was quite the character with a love for teaching and his research. God bless his family with good memories from the active, engaged life that he lived. Wish you all peace, Dr. Kathryn Jervis
Dear Jarrett family,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your beloved Jeff and father.
I remember Dr Jarrett as a smart, committed and curious professor during my time as a URI MBA research assistant.
When he entered a room, he brought much energy and I remember fondly our conversations about whatever was topical.
May your memories comfort you.
Sincerely,
Patricia Moore MBA 1992
My sympathy and condolences on the loss of your husband/father. I met Dr. Jarrett back in 1988 when I started working at CBA-URI. It was always a pleasure speaking with him and listening to him talk about his family, his travels, and also seeing his great photos. He will surely be missed.