James T. Griffen

November 22, 1946 - March 24, 2023

James (Jim) Thomas Griffen, 76, passed away peacefully by his loving wife Laura's side on March 24, 2023 at his home in Greece, New York.

Jim was born on November 22, 1946 to the late Thomas Griffen and Patricia (Delmore) Griffen in Oakland, California.

Jim was a proud Air Force veteran. He served between 1965-1968 and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. While based in Guam and Okinawa, Japan, Jim loaded munitions onto airships destined for the Vietnam War. Here he was exposed to Agent Orange, the toxic chemical responsible for his subsequent years of debilitating health issues.

In August of 1965, Jim married the love of his life, Laura Anne (Whitworth) Griffen. This year (2023) marks their 55th wedding anniversary. They were blessed with five children: Lisa, Tom, Mike, Kim, and Joel. Jim was dedicated to taking care of his family through thick and thin.

Jim's professional career began with Xerox in the early days of computer tech, then evolved into auditing and consulting roles for various computer and manufacturing firms. He dreamed of one day opening up a shop that sold wooden toys for children.

Jim was a lifelong Boy Scout. As a young man he earned his Eagle Scout award, and as an adult he was awarded the Woodbadge, Silver Beaver, Bronze Pelican, the Scouting Medal of Merit, and many others. He was devoted to help scouters around the country earn merit badges and advance in ranks. At the time of his death, Jim was Commissioner of the Seneca Waterways Council in Western New York.

Jim was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight with St. Bonaventure church in Huntington Beach, California, and as 4th degree Member with Assembly 723 in Rochester.

Jim had a passion for the arts. At age 72 he graduated with a bachelor's in Art from SUNY Empire State. He appreciated all kinds of artistic endeavors, but he especially loved painting, drawing, sculpture, and woodworking.

Jim's health over the last few years was in decline. He suffered from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), esophageal cancer, and bladder cancer. Through it all, Jim's optimism and stubbornness outweighed the severity of his myriad ailments.

Jim never left the house without a pocket knife, a handkerchief, a Band-Aid in his wallet, and a roll of Necco wafers. He never met a stranger. His family and friends have endless stories about Jim's willingness to offer a helping hand, give good advice, or express a few kind words. Jim's absence will continue to be felt by an extraordinary number of people. His giant shoes (quite literally size 16-4E) will not be filled.

Jim is survived by many loved ones. His dearest wife, Laura Griffen; Five children and their spouses: Lisa (Griffen) Murphy, Tom Griffen, Mike Griffen and his wife Amy, Kim (Griffen) Hornberg and her husband Chris, and Joel Griffen and his wife Brittany; Eight grandchildren: Carsen, Emma, Tristan, Asher, Keegan, Findley, Oliver and Audrey; And countless other cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, extended family and friends all around the world.

Jim's cremains will be interred at the Western New York National Cemetery on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. A celebration of life will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Jim's grandsons' Boy Scout Troop in Gilbert, Arizona. Please include the following note with your donation: Donated to Troop 522 in memory of Jim Griffen, grandfather to scouts Tristan, Asher, Keegan, and Findley Hornberg. Donate here: https://www.grandcanyonbsa.org/