Rev. Griffin was born on July 19, 1928, and was raised in Hart County, Georgia. He grew up on a small farm and worked hard even as a child, lighting the furnace at school and driving a school bus at the age of 16. He graduated from Hartwell High School and continued his education at Reinhardt College, the University of Georgia and Candler School of Theology at Emory University. While at Emory, he met his wife Sue and they were married for 58 years prior to her heavenly departure in 2012.
James served as a distinguished minister of the United Methodist Church for more than forty years in the North Georgia Conference. His appointments included Harlem UMC near Augusta, Chickamauga UMC, Barnesville First, Pattillo UMC in Decatur, Maple Avenue UMC in Marietta, Mt. Zion UMC in East Cobb, Alpharetta First UMC, Kennesaw UMC and Bethany UMC in Smyrna. He was well loved by those who had the opportunity to be a part of his ministry. James walked his life with integrity and purpose. He was an avid golfer, an excellent woodworker, vegetable gardener and he loved his dogs.
Rev. Griffin is survived by his daughter, Susan Wing (Andy), of Kennesaw, GA and James Griffin, Jr. (Kim), of Athens, GA.
He loved his five grandchildren – Rachel Harmeyer (Keith), Ben Bishop, Alina Giles (Nathan), Katelyn and Peyton Griffin. He also was blessed with four great-grandchildren: Audrey & Amy Curtis, Allison and Anna Harmeyer.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 11:00 am at Kennesaw United Methodist Church with Dr. Mike Cavin and Dr. Rev. Diane Parrish officiating..The family will receive friends on Friday, June 8, 2018, from 6:00-7:30 pm at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, 2950 North Cobb Parkway, Kennesaw, GA 30152.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Kennesaw United Methodist Building Fund.
