Obituary of Jim Griffin

Jim (Papa) Griffin died January 8th, 2010, surrounded by the love of his family. Jim was born in Alabama on September 16th, 1944. As a small boy he moved to Washington with his Mother Ramona and his Brother Bill. After graduating from Issaquah High School, Jim got a job at Pacific Car and Foundry. In 1969 he met and married Michele LeMieux. Jim and Michele raised three girls, not an easy job. Poor Dad, always out numbered. Nonetheless he loved his girls and they knew it. In the early 80’s the family moved to Tacoma where Jim worked at both Fick and Atlas Foundries. As a young man, Jim enjoyed riding motorcycles, camping, ghost town hunting and 4-wheeling in his jeep. He also liked working on cars. His favorite was his Oldsmobile 442. Jim was very proud of the cabin that he helped design and build in Moclips. Many memories were made there. He appreciated the quiet town and the peacefulness of looking out at the ocean, listening to the waves. He shared his love of the ocean with his family, bringing them every summer. As the family grew, these trips also included his grandchildren. The annual ocean trip will not be the same without him. Still, to honor him, his family will continue the tradition. Jim was an intelligent man. He must have known that at an early age. When his mother woke him for his 2nd day of school, he asked, “Why do I have to go, I went yesterday?” He was an avid Mariners and Seahawks fan, history buff and could fix anything with duct tape. Jim enjoyed trivia, watching Jeopardy and John Wayne movies, and spending time with his family. Jim was a simple, practical, smart, honest man. Although also a quiet man, those that knew Jim well will miss his intellectual conversations and quick wit. He was also a masterful story teller, many based on true events in his life. He liked to entertain his girls with these wild stories, especially ones about Indian Joe and the Cougar. Those that heard the tale of the Moclips Mauler will never forget it. Jim was loved and will be deeply missed by his family. Michele, his wife of 40 years, and his Brother Bill (Carrie) will miss Jim. Melody (Paul), Ericca and Colleen will miss their Dad. Jim’s Grandchildren, Alex, Valarie, McKenzie, Ariana and Mason will miss their Papa. Papa was preceded in death by his Grandson Zachery. Because Jim would not want a big formal affair, there will be a small family gathering to share memories. This gathering will take place on January 23, 2010 from 2:00 – 4:00 at the University Place Senior Center 2534 Grandview Drive West University Place, WA 98466. Please use this guest book to share a story or a memory. It would mean a lot to Jim’s family.