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James Edward Griffin, age 81, of Three Rivers, died Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017 at his home. He was born in Constantine on March 18, 1936 the son of James Francis and Virginia Irene (Carpenter) Griffin. He graduated from Three Rivers High School with the class of 1955. He was married to Delores Mino in Three Rivers in 1957; they were later divorced. He served in the Michigan National Guard and was activated during the 1967 Detroit riots. Jim worked at Peterson Springs and Continental Can Company in Three Rivers before becoming an independent truck driver. He also worked at Wells Saw and American Axle before driving a school bus for Three Rivers Schools. Jim was a member of Hice-Shutes American Legion Post #170. He was a former member of the Eagles and Elks Lodges in Three Rivers. He enjoyed working in the yard, converting old films to CDs, and spending his winters in Arizona.
Jim was married to Joyce Anne (Williams) Johnson in Three Rivers on March 10, 1979. She survives along with four children, Gayle (Phil) Van Heukelum, James E. Griffin, Jr, Daniel W. Griffin, and Richard Johnson all of Three Rivers; five grandchildren, Allison and Sara VanHeukelum, Lauren, Andrew, and David Johnson; three great-grandchildren, Dillyn VanHeukelum, Olivia Johnson and David Johnson; brother, Albert “Chip” (Cherie) Kohls of Decatur; and special aunt, Vada (Richard) Kline of Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, David Johnson; brother, Douglas Griffin; and two sisters, Dixie Mae Griffin and Karen Kay Kohls.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Eickhoff Farrand Halverson Chapel in Three Rivers. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017 at the funeral home with Rev. Derl Keefer, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery with military rites by Hice-Shutes American Legion Post #170. Memorials may be directed to either the West Michigan Cancer Center, or the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek Autism Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.efhchapel.com
