William James “Jim” Griffith, age 92, passed away peacefully at Celeste Care on June 19, 2020 in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. Born on February 7, 1928 in Avon, SD, he was the son of Robert Warren and Ruth Elizabeth Griffith. Jim graduated from Huron College in 1949 with a degree in Communications.
Upon graduation he joined the U.S. Air Force and became a pilot. Jim flew many planes, but primarily the KC-97 (refuels other planes in the air) during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954. After the war he remained active in the South Dakota & Kansas Air National Guard for 30 years and retired as a Colonel.
In 1950 he met the love of his life, Helen Jean Stangland, and they were married in 1953. They were happily married for almost 67 years and have three children, eight grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Jim was a family man who was all about making memories and loved a good surprise, especially for Helen. One of his best was flying in their children & spouses to London to surprise her for her 60th birthday. It almost backfired when Helen first saw them and was so shocked that we almost considered taking her to the hospital. After gaining her composure, an amazing trip was had by all.
While continuing with the Air National Guard, he had successful careers in the airline industry, hotel industry, and even managed a fishing lodge in the Arctic. He retired from Brock Hotel Corporation in 1985 and moved to Horseshoe Bay, TX.
Jim was definitely a glass half full person and was always interested in his children and grandchildren’s lives. He especially enjoyed asking his grandchildren questions their parents could never ask. Jim was always their consummate advocate/supporter only wanting them to be well educated and happy. Jim and Helen were blessed with a wonderful family and countless dear friends.
Jim was not one to sit back and wait for someone else to take charge when something needed to get done. We are not sure if that came from his military background or just his desire to bring people together. Shortly after moving to Horseshoe Bay in 1986 he took a leadership role with the local Shriners helping them grow & flourish. In addition he also served on the boards for the Property Owners Association & The Church at Horseshoe Bay. At the church he was also active in the choir for 32 years and started the Men’s Chorus. Jim also found time to organize large golf groups frequenting a variety of courses throughout the Texas Hill Country. He loved to pheasant hunt in his home state of South Dakota with friends and family. More than anything else he probably loved sitting back and enjoying all the memories being made.
Jim was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Warren Griffith, Jr. and Calvin Reid Griffith. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Helen, three children – Scott (Sandy), Lori Weber (Bill), and Lisa Webre (Chris); eight grandchildren – Dustin (Patty), Jared (Jessica), Kyle (Jen), Ashley, Derek (Tong), Elizabeth, Alison, and Robert; and five great grandchildren – Evelyn, Alexander, Haleigh, Jamie, and Jack.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Jim’s name to:
• The Church at Horseshoe Bay
• Hill Country Humane Society www.hillcountryhumanesociety.org
There will be a memorial service at 10 am on July 25, 2020 at The Church at Horseshoe Bay.
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