Jim was born in Chatham, Massachusetts to Eugenio and Jennie Cardoza. Jim attended school in Chatham and later graduated from Amherst College where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture.
Jim married his first wife Joan and there were five children added to that union, Brian,Raymond,James Jr, Tina and Joe. Jim was a part of the Catholic Church his entire life and was a member of St. Regis Catholic Church. Jim worked for the Kansas City School District as a Horticulturist for many years. Jim then went on to work for Western Crown Center Hotel where you would see him in the waterfalls checking on plants or climbing the rocks and talking to his flowers. Jim later worked for Rosehill Gardens which he loved for next 40 years just retiring in November of last year.
Jim was married to his second wife Octavia Berry on July 7, 2008 to include a family of three: Orlo B. Berry Jr (deceased), Channing A. Berry, and Sharon H. Berry.
Jim was preceded in death by his father Eugenio Cardoza, mother Jennie Roderick, brother Charles Cardoza, 1st wife Joan Cardoza , son Brian Griffith, grandparents, aunts and uncles.
Jim leaves to cherish his loving wife Octavia, son Raymond Griffith Sr (Kenya), James Cardoza Jr, Tina Marie Cardoza, Joe Cardoza Sr (Judy) all of Kansas City, a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as his loving aunt Tina of Massachusetts.
Things that make Jim smile: Helping someone in need, spending time with family, gardening, dining out, traveling, western tv shows, game shows and sports (Go Celtics!).
Special thanks to his granddaughter, Gabby Johnson, for the loving care she provided in his final days, ensuring he was comfortable and at peace, as well as to Luminary Hospice of Kansas City for their compassionate support.
Visitation will be held at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131, on April 25, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service at the same location at 12:00 pm. Committal will follow in Mount Moriah Cemetery South.
