James D. Griffin, Sr.'s Obituary
James David ?Mr, G? Griffin, Sr.
On September 23, 1920, James David was born into the family of Sam and Bertha Griffin of Austin, Texas. He was the third of four children. Jim graduated from Austin High and was a key player on the school?s state championship football team. Jim had a scholarship to play for Texas A&M, but an injury ended his college career prematurely.
Just prior to his 20th birthday, Jim joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and received his pilot wings just in time for service in the European Theater as a co-pilot in early bombing missions. He returned home to teach others to fly in combat. After the war, Jim stayed with the Air Force as an active reservist, officially retiring in 1980 with the rank of Major.
Flying was one of Jim?s two long term passions. The other was his wife Aggie Griffin. They met in Austin in 1947 while on a double date. It didn?t take long for them to tie the knot. They were married in Austin?s War Memorial Methodist Church on November 15, 1947. Their love lasted for more than 56 years. Aggie and Jim were blessed with three children Mary Elizabeth, James David, Jr., and Charles Bryant.
In 1950, the family moved to Roundtop, Texas area and then to College Station about five years later. Jim continued to fly with the Air Force, last serving at Barksdale AFB in 1967. In 1967, the family moved to Longview and Jim began a new career as a Jeweler.
Many Longview-ites know Jim from his years owning and running Griffin?s Jewelers and then Mr. & Mrs. G?s Fine Jewelry. Together Jim and Aggie helped many young couples start their marriage by selling them their wedding rings.
After retiring from the jewelry career, Jim became active at Greggton United Methodist Church as long as his health allowed. Finally the years took their toll on Jim?s health and the death of Aggie. Jim moved to Eastman Estates. While at Eastman Estates, Jim developed a special relationship with Jewel Owens, formerly of Daingerfield, and the two dreamed of getting married one day.
Jim was always independent and often rebellious. For example, he bought his first car for $50 when he was just 13 years old, without his parents knowing about the deal. It was a good thing his Grandfather was the Chief of Police in Austin or he may have gotten into a lot more trouble growing up. Then there was the time while in the air force that he hung a yo-yo from the finger of a famous Army statue at Fort Benning. He also wouldn?t buy something if he could make it himself, hence his 50 pound ?portable? table. He made his own root beer once, and the exploding bottles were became a source for future teasing.
Yet he had his kind and gentle side also. When away from the family on long missions, he always had stories to tell when he returned and unusual gifts from wherever he?d been. One time it was an entire stalk of bananas. We couldn?t eat or give them away fast enough, the pineapples from Hawaii were better. He loved everyone and could often be heard singing ?You are my Sunshine? to anyone needing encouragement.
Jim was blessed with another daughter, Judy from a previous marriage. He also leaves behind 4 grandchildren by birth and too many step-grandchildren and ?adopted? grandchildren to count.
It is hard to say goodbye to someone who was always there. He was a safety net for adventurous kids, or the epitome of strength for the less adventuresome. Dad, we already miss you.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Friday, December 23, 2005 at the Greggton United Methodist Church with the Reverend Emmitt Barrow officiating. Entombment will follow in Rosewood Park?s Chapel Mausoleum under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. For his dedicated service to his country, Barksdale Air Force Base will present full military detail at the Cryptside. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 PM Thursday, December 22, 2005 at the funeral home, 1617 Judson Road.
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