James William Sarver

James “Jim” William Sarver passed away in his home on April 23, 2026, two months shy of his 83rd birthday. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to William and Mary Sarver, he moved to Texas in his teen years.

Jim met his wife Carolyn Ann Sarver after moving into the house next-door, and they married in 1967. He went on to earn his B.B.A in Finance from The University of Texas, which lead him to a lengthy career in insurance and financial services. His expansive career spanned from his job as President of Life Insurance Agency in San Antonio to his long tenure at The University of Texas, where he served both as the Director of ERS and also as the Director of UT System.

Jim had a great appreciation of music and an incredible singing voice. In his younger years, he joined and sung in a barbershop quartet, performing in various venues around Austin. Jim and his brothers would also sing to entertain friends and family, and he was even invited to sing on stage with the Platters in Branson, Missouri, while visiting his brother Robert “Bob”. Jim had a deep passion and enthusiasm for golf, which has been passed down to his son Chris and grandson William Berry. Everyone who knew him will remember his love for their lake place on Lake Travis, golf, and The Texas Longhorns and will miss his dry wit and loving smile.

He is survived by his daughter Michelle Berry, his son-in-law

Matt Berry Jr., his son Chris Sarver, his daughter-in-law Michelle Molina-Sarver, and his two grandchildren Evelyn Berry and William Berry, whom he loved and bragged about to everyone. He is remembered by his brother Robert “Bob” Sarver, his two sisters-in-law, Marie Warden and Helen Tawater, and Helen’s husband David.

He was also a loving uncle to Doug Tawater, Brittny Locke, Elizabeth Finkbone, Greg Tawater, and Margaret Brown. Last but certainly not least, he was greatly loved by Patch, his devoted four-legged miniature poodle.

Visitation will begin Friday, May 1st at 6:00 p.m. at the Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home at 5416 Parkcrest Drive. A graveside burial will be held Saturday, May 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at Austin Memorial Park at 2800 Hancock Dr, Austin, TX 78731.

Pallbearers will be his grandson William Berry, his nephews Doug Tawater, Greg Tawater, and Logan Locke, his great-nephews Andrew Tawater and Charlie Tawater, and his incredible neighbor and dog walker Mike Wray. We would like to honor Jim’s love of the University of Texas by offering guests the option to wear burnt orange at either the visitation or the graveside service.

He will be remembered and greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.