Those who dance are considered insane by those who cannot hear the music. Jim Griffin not only danced, he played the music itself. His music book was widespread: rock star, father, devoted husband, loyal friend; truly, he was a north star for anyone who found themselves lucky enough to be in his presence.
You could meet Jim once and be his friend for life. His warmth and infectious smile were like water in the desert. There was no escaping his pure genuineness. You could call him ‘old school,’ because he was a man of his word. His social life and business life were defined by a simple precept: give more than I receive. In his words, “I do for people because I want to, not because I expect anything.” Though he had no idea, he touched countless lives.
Jim raised four children, as precocious as they are beautiful. Being in a room with Jim and his children was like watching comedy central: non-stop laughs. He was a long-haired rocker, and pushed his kids to follow their dreams. Lance (25) worked as an actor, and his Dad never missed a show. When Jim started playing music again, Lance never missed his shows. Jim’s respect for the man Lance had become- strong, kind, and gentle spirited- was unrivaled. Resident comedian Hope (23) has a laugh that’s larger than life, and she shared her Dad’s sense of humor. In fact, he once caught her with a live kitten in her backpack ready to take to show and tell. Her fierce independence and self-reliance always made Jim beam with pride. Bella (15) became interested in softball, and Dad coached the team. Her fiery spirit and strong will persuaded Jim every morning to carry her to school rather than catching the ‘lame’ bus. His girls had him wrapped around their finger. Jim’s favorite part of the day was driving his son Storm (10) to school every morning, and they made a special hand signal together to get pumped for the day. They would sit for hours together watching the History Channel, sharing a profound love for learning. Jim’s bond with his children was one that will never be broken.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Jim was his relationship with his wife Karen. They dropped jaws when they walked into a room together. Some people say that time causes love to fade; the love between Jim and Karen was unbreakable. They were best friends, business partners, true soul mates. Their relationship was like a Nicholas Sparks novel: it’s what movies are made of.
Jim was a mere 45 years of age upon his passing, but he lived the lives of ten men in that time. Though his songbird voice will nevermore grace an audience, it echoes on in the hearts of countless loved ones. He was a man who left a profound legacy on this Earth, and someone we can all aspire to be.
Friends and family are invited to join us in celebrating the life of Jim Griffin on Sunday, June 8th at 3 p.m. at El Charro Mexican Restaurant, 916 Florida Avenue, Cocoa, Florida 32922
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to benefit the needs of the Griffin family at any Florida Bank of Commerce branch or any Chase Bank branch. Please ask for your donation to be deposited into the account for the Griffin family. Donations can also be mailed to Zies Widerman & Malek for the benefit of The Griffin Family at 1990 West New Haven Ave. Suite 201, Melbourne, FL 32904.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18