World War Two

Jarvis was born in Brooklyn, New York. During World War Two he left the U.S. to enlisted in the Royal Air Force. Though he was underage at the time, it was not uncommon for the military to "look the other way" when it came to recruiting requirements. Thus Jarvis became a pilot, defending the skies of Great Britain. During this time Jarvis picked up the British accent and mannerisms he is so well known for. He also became an accomplished championship boxer within the Air Force. When the war ended in 1945, he returned to the U.S. and became the butler of Howard Stark in his mansion, located in Manhattan. After both Howard Stark and his wife Maria died in a traffic collision their son Anthony Stark, better known as Tony Stark, inherited the mansion. Jarvis retained his position as butler of the residence.

Avengers

When the Avengers where officially formed, Tony Stark as Iron Man made Stark Mansion the teams official headquarters. The name was changed to the Avengers Mansion, and Jarvis has been their loyal butler ever since. Though the team has changed much since the silver age, Jarvis has been affiliated with them longer than any of the actual members. He has done his fair share of cleaning the mansion after is has been damaged or even destroyed, armed with his trusty vacuum. He has delighted all manner of Avengers and guests, from mutants to gods by serving them tea and scones during their stay. Though he holds a full time job with Stark and the Avengers, he still found time to visit his mother on his days off.

Crimson Cowl

One would think that working for the Avengers would pay well, however, it seemingly does not. Early in his career at the Avengers mansion, Jarvis found himself in need of money to help his sick mother. He found this money supplying the Crimson Cowl (Ultron) with a detailed lay out of the mansion. Ultron captured the Avengers and brainwashed Jarvis, convincing him that he was the Crimson Cowl. He has since recovered from the brainwashing effects to prove that "the butler didn't do it". His mother also recovered from her illness.

The Violent Life of a Humble Butler

Jarvis has found himself in all manner of trouble as butler to the Avengers.

One of the more significant events was almost losing the use of an eye after being severally beaten and tortured at the hands of the Masters Of Evil.

Jarvis is no coward, he once picked a fight with a thug known as the Bruiser who had been terrorizing Jarvis's mother and her neighbours.

Jarvis even stood up to Asgardian god, Loki, after he tricked his way into the Avengers mansion.

In Civil War Kenny, an ex-employee of Stark's, shot Jarvis in the act of sounding the alarms in Stark Tower. Jarvis made a full recovery. With some martial arts training from Captain America plus his R.A.F. training, Jarvis could possibly be the toughest butler in the marvel universe.

Secret Invasion

Recently, in Secret Invasion, it was revealed that Jarvis had been replaced by a Skrull for an unknown period of time. He hacked Iron Man's systems, and implanted a debilitating virus in his armor. This caused him to nearly have a seizure.

Alternate Universes:

Earth -2149 (Marvel Zombies)

Jarvis was unthinkably carved and devoured by the Avengers. They say he went down without a fight, implying the butler last service was to be served to them.

Earth -982 (MC2)

In this future version of earth -616 Jarvis has gotten on in his years, but still retains his position as butler for Avengers Next.