James Kenneth Griffin

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, James Franklin and Jewell Francis Griffin, his brother Michael Griffin, and sister Donna Griffin. He leaves behind his loving wife and best friend of 54 years, Barbara LaPointe Griffin, his children – Donna M. Bennett, Sharon L. Perez, Marion L. Higgins, Deborah A. Griffin, Tammy L. Colbert, Nita M. Dodson. He also leaves his brother, Stephen Wayne Griffin and his wife. He leaves 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He has many nieces, nephews, and cousins left to remember him.

Known as “Jimmy” and “Kenneth”, by his Navy family he was called “WO”. He began a distinguished military career as an electronics technician, he later became a flight crew member involved in anti-submarine operations. He served on the Nimitz Aircraft carrier during the Iranian hostage crisis, ending his service to the country after 30 years of active-duty Navy. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4, a high achievement. He followed that with 21 years of Civil Service serving as a Simulator Manager H-2 & E-2. He was proud to service his country along side his father and two brothers.

He was a member of Liberty Baptist Church in Hampton and served on the security team for several years. He was a fervent reader of the Holy Bible, believing it was the inspired Word of God. His prayer was that all his family and loved ones would come to know Christ’s saving grace.

A celebration of life will be held 12:00 PM, Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666. Inurnment with honors rendered by the U.S. Navy will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.parklawn-woodfh.com for the Griffin family.