Author: Randi Alexandra Plake

Milton L. Smith ’53 passed away on Aug. 23, 2018 in Georgia. Smith majored in English and went on to earn his master’s in teaching at Wesleyan. Smith retired from his role as an executive at SUNY at Utica, where he was awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service.

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.

David W. Mize ’51 passed away on July 20, 2018 at the age of 90 as a result of injuries sustained in a single auto car crash. He was doing what he loved at the time of the crash, which was driving a car on beautiful back road in Vermont. The last six months of his life were very full. He attended dinner parties, read new books, had lemon cake, and spent time with family. He is survived by his oldest daughter, Betsy Currie, her husband Peter, and their sons Peter and Tim, and by his youngest daughter, Lucy Mize ’78, her husband Tim Brown, their children Thaddeus ’17 and Belle. He will be missed by many, we will celebrate his life on Sept 8th in Chelsea Vermont. Below is a link to a local paper, which includes the story his twin sister told that he talked his way into Wesleyan.

We thank the daughter of Mr. Mize for this information.

David McMillan ’51 passed away on May 11, 2018, four days after the death of his wife, Margaret. At Wesleyan, McMillan majored in economics. He had a long and influential career in Delaware banking serving as president and chief operating officer at the Bank of Delaware before his retirement. He was also the president of the YMCA of Delaware and held several high offices in the Episcopal church.