Jarret Francis Griffis

Jarret (Jerry) Francis Griffis, 87, a retired union ironworker, passed away on September 15, 2024. He was born in Taft, Texas on December 20, 1936.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Clayton and Janna Griffis of Austin, and son-in-law James Perry of Rockport, Texas. Grandchildren include Caleb Perry, Sydney Perry, Jacob Perry, Garrett Griffis, Graham Griffis, and Gillian Griffis. He is also survived by his brother and sisters, Barbara Ann Jenkins of Florence, Texas, Tommy Griffis of Georgetown, Texas, and Wanda Sue Wells of Granbury, Texas.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Nell Griffis, daughter, Deana Perry, sister Lois Jean Amason and his parents, Boyd and Lois Griffis.

Jerry grew up in Portland, Texas and attended Gregory-Portland High School where he played football, ran track and was a member of FFA. During his teenage years, in addition to school, he often had other jobs including driving tractors and oil and gas well and pipeline work. Upon graduating in 1955 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served in San Diego, CA and on Guam assigned to the staff of Commander Naval Forces Marianas. While in the service, he married his high-school sweetheart, Wanda Nell Jenkins. When Jerry was discharged from the service the couple moved to Portland and then to Austin in 1959. In Austin, Jerry entered the ironworker apprenticeship program with Ironworkers Local 482. After completing his apprenticeship and becoming a journeyman ironworker and certified welder, he helped construct many of the buildings in Austin from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday, September 19th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. A graveside service officiated by Pastor James Hassell will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 20th at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park.