Gerald "Jerry" Gordon Griffin

Jerry was born on July 12, 1940, in Cortland NY and was the son of the late Gordon Herbert Griffin and Gertrude Anne Nuttall. He grew up in McGraw, Cortland, and Homer NY. Jerry graduated from Homer Central High School in 1958. He earned both a Bachelors and Masters degree in History and Social Studies by 1963. He taught high school Social Studies in Fabius NY where he met Lana Tevis from Greenville IL, who was teaching high school Science. On July 4, 1965, Jerry and Lana married. They moved to Wisconsin where Jerry obtained a second Masters degree in Political Science and Education. In 1968, Jerry was recruited by the CIA. He served in the Africa division as Deputy Director Chief and then Senior Regional Analyst. He provided 31 years of service and won many medals and awards over his career, including the medal of Commendation for Substantive Depth and Expertise. While working at the CIA, Jerry was living in Falls Church VA with his growing family, which included Lana, his 2 children David and Janice, and their cats over the years included Sherlock, Winfield, Skyler, and Franklin. When not working, Jerry and his family spent time at their mountain house, Griffins Delight, in Stanley VA. Jerry retired in 1999, and he and his wife moved to Broadway VA. Even in retirement, he continued to work as a contractor for the CIA until 2001, and taught courses at both George Mason and James Madison University. After Lana’s passing, Jerry moved to the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community in Harrisonburg VA. During retirement, Jerry remained very active. He was a volunteer at the Visitor Center in Harrisonburg, Office of Chaplain at RMC Hospital, Historical and Genealogy library, Docent at the Art Group in Mt Jackson. He belonged to the Page Valley Chapter 1793 National Assoc of Retired Federal Employees. He was also a member of the Page County Railroad Club, writing several published articles.

Jerry was loved and will be missed by his family and friends. Jerry will be remembered as a dedicated worker with a sense of duty and responsibility that drove him, but also, he had a sense of humor (many friends looked forward to receiving comics from him), a love of kitties, and his deep love for his grandchildren.

Lana Tevis Griffin, preceded him in death on July 17, 2014. He is survived by his sister, Kathleen Burky of Dayton OH; brother ,Dr James Griffin of Boston MA; son, David Griffin (wife Natalie) of Leesburg VA; daughter, Janice Nockideneh (husband Tommy) of Page AZ; grandchildren, Cullen, Jobrienne, Gavin and Tea Nockideneh of Page AZ; Liam and Quinn Griffin of Leesburg VA.

Honoring his wishes, a memorial service will be held at a later date to be determined. Remains will be interred at Linville Creek Church of the Brethren Cemetery alongside his wife Lana.

Lindsey Funeral Homes in Harrisonburg is handling arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyfuneralhomes.com.