James D. Griffis ’53

James D. Griffis ’53 passed away on July 6, 2018. Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother, Rev. Harold William Griffis and Evelyn Theresa Dutcher, his brothers David Griffis and John Harold Griffis and his loving wife Margaret ‘Peggy’ Hart. Jim is survived by his son James Fredrick Griffis (Susan) and his sister Nancy Evelyn Griffis. He was very proud of his grandchildren Patrick Griffis (Laura), Michael Griffis, Kevin Griffis, and Megan Griffis, and his grand daughter in law Jenna Beck. He adored his great grandchildren Kylie Griffis, Colton Griffis, Patrick Griffis, and Madelyn Jancigar-Griffis. Jim was also proud of his nieces and nephews and their families, Mark Griffis, David Griffis (Romina), John Griffis, Andrew Griffis (Ceci), Shari DiMeo (John), Kimberly Homeyer, and Tara Sherman.

Family and close friends, who essentially became part of his “family,” are what mattered most to him. He genuinely and fiercely cared for this small group of people in his life. He supported, in a wide range of ways, all those he loved through thick and thin. Jim was the backbone of his family.He also accepted everyone in that circle for what and who they were and was quick to forgive whatever shortcomings or misfortunes they experienced. He never held a grudge. He was proud of everyone’s accomplishments. He wanted everyone to get along and have a good life.

He had a great sense of humor and could laugh at other’s experiences as well as his own. His personality and presence were felt by all who came into contact with him. He loved life and those around him. He could be funny evenwhen he was grouchy. Who else could lose a tuba on a weekend away in college or have Carl Sandburg quip during class while looking out a classroom window, “I see Mr. Griffis has elected to sun himself on top of the fraternity house rather than be present for our poetry class!”? His stories were countless, and he would light up any room he entered.

He loved his sports and enjoyed seeing his family in sports. He was a four-year varsity letterman (football, basketball, track, and tennis) and was inducted into the Troy High School hall of fame. Whenever he could, he went to all of his grandson’s games.

He believed in brevity and directness when communicating. He stressed working hard and achieving one’s best, playing fair, and respecting people regardless of their social position and not taking yourself too seriously. There are many virtues and values that many of his family have inherited from him. Jim loved music. He played trumpet, baritone and an occasional tuba in Dixie land bands in college. He taught himself to play piano in the style of Jerry Lee Lewis and loved county music.

Jim graduated from Wesleyan University and had a successful career in sales in the commercial building sector, first with Kimmey Company in Troy, N.Y., Sanymetal Company in Cleveland, Ohio, and All American Company in Long Island, N.Y. His ultimate success and personal pride were establishing his own company, Gratton Building Specialties in Mentor, Ohio, before he retired.

Everyone has their own stories of Jim that will live on. He has made an indelible impact on those he loved. These memories will soften the heartache of his passing.

We thank Mr. Griffis’ son for this heartfelt obituary.