Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Timothy Griffith Obituary
West Des Moines
Timothy Jack Griffith, 67, died unexpectedly Saturday, August 13, 2011 returning from an air show in Boone, IA. Memorial services will be held 10 a.m., Friday, at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church with burial at Resthaven Cemetery. Tim was born in Des Moines, Iowa. He also lived in Perry, IA, and Corona, CA.
Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Griffith, Iowa's former Air National Guard Chief of Staff, is not only an Iowa native, but with the exception of pilot training, spent all of his National Guard time with the Iowa Air Guard. He was a graduate of Valley High School in West Des Moines and from Marycrest College with a degree in Business Administration. He was also a graduate of Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College and the National Security Management course.
General Griffith, a command pilot with more than 7000 flight hours including 3700 flight hours in the F-100, A-F, and the F-16 aircraft, began his military career by direct appointment as a Second Lieutenant on September 14, 1965. He attended undergraduate navigator training with the 3535th Navigator Wing at Mather AFB, California; Radar Intercept School, Des Moines ANGB; ADC Survival School, Perrin AFB, Texas; Undergraduate Pilot Training, Laredo, Texas; F-100 Combat Crew Training, Tucson ANGB, Arizona; A-7D Combat Crew Training, Davis Mothan AFB, Arizona; F-16 Qualification Training, Luke AFB, Arizona.
He was commander of the 124th TFS from October 1, 1984 until he transferred to the Headquarters, Iowa Air National Guard, as the Air Operations Staff Director on November 30, 1989. He was appointed as Chief of Staff September 20, 1992. Griffith was promoted and federally recognized as a Brigadier General on October 25, 1993, with the same date as rank. General Griffith retired from the National Guard as Assistant Adjutant General for Air in 1997.
His civilian career began with the Iowa Aeronautics Commission; after 18 years, Griffith joined the FAA in 1986. His career with the FAA included Accident Prevention Specialist, Operations Inspector and Operations Supervisor. Tim retired from the FAA, as the Manager of the Des Moines Flight Standards District Office in 2004.
His awards and decorations include but are not limited to: the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (third oak leaf cluster), Combat Readiness Medal (third oak leaf cluster), National Defense Service Medal (with bronze star), Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon (fifth oak leaf cluster), and Iowa National Guard State Service Ribbon (fourth oak leaf cluster).
Career highlights include three Atlantic crossings (including leading a 24 ship of A-7's, nonstop, Des Moines to Waddington RAF Base in England) one Pacific crossing and deployments to England, Turkey, Aviano Italy and Chitose Japan. He owned and restored a 1946 Aeronca Champ and thru his affiliation with the Iowa Aviation Heritage Museum he restored and flew a PT-19, T-28 and was currently restoring a N3N.
Flying and family were his life and love. When he wasn't flying he enjoyed golfing, sailing, scuba diving, skiing, fishing, making beer and wine, riding his Harley, reading, carpentry, traveling the world, spending every possible moment watching his grandkids sports, and cheering his beloved Hawkeyes (Go Hawks!). He retired to "Paradise" in Florida where he shared his time with his closest friends and family.
General Griffith was married to the former Linda K. Davis of West Des Moines for 46 years. They reside in Lakewood Ranch, FL. Those left to honor his memory are his mother, Anne Griffith of West Des Moines; daughters, Heather VanSeveren (Eric) of Davenport, IA and Jill Long of West Des Moines; six grandchildren, Sophie, Emma, Josh, and Lily VanSeveren, and Peyton and Karleigh Long; brother, John Griffith (Valerie) of Bellingham, WA; sister, Janie Lyons (Mike) of Medford, NJ; and many other family and friends who will mourn his loss.
General Griffith is welcomed into Heaven by his father L. Jack Griffith and his grandparents.
Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday at McLaren's Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Iowa Military Aviation Heritage Museum or St. Timothy's Episcopal Church.
Online condolences may be made to: www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Timothy Griffith
October 14, 2011
Linda--Just heard of Tim's passing. You and your family have our heartfelt sympathy. Seeing Tim's pictures brings back a lot of good memories. God bless you and your family. Mike and Dixie Hammer
Chris (Dreyer) White
September 27, 2011
Linda,
I was saddened to hear of Tim's sudden passing. Knowing he died doing what he loved must be of some comfort to you and the girls and grandchildren. My heart goes out to you all. He was always a great guy and you two were the perfect couple. May happy memories comfort you.
with sympathy, Chris
Jim & Jane Fogt
August 25, 2011
Linda,
May you find peace in the assurance that an even more beautiful life has begun for Tim. Out thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
With great Sympathy
August 22, 2011
Aunt Linda, Heather,Jill,Eric, Peyton,Sophie,Emma,Karleigh,Josh and Lily, I do not have the words to tell you all how very sorry we are about Uncle TIm. He was such a wonderful person and so very loved. One thing I can promise you all is his love will always, always be with each of you. God Bless you all! Xoxo
Love, RIck, Jane, Christian and MIa xoxo
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Tim in the PT-19 just before its maiden flight in 2008.
Robert Folden
August 22, 2011
Tim was a great man and a good friend. I enjoyed my time working with him at the museum. He will be missed. My warmest thoughts and deepest sympathies and prayers to Linda and the family.
August 22, 2011
Our condolences and prayers for your family.
Dallas & Eleanor Gilreath
Diane Wiedmeier
August 20, 2011
Dear Linda & Family, I was shocked to hear of Tim's passing. We were FAA colleagues in the 90's and until his retirement from FAA. I will always remember his smile. He was a true gentleman. I grieve for your great loss.
August 20, 2011
We were working on our family history when we found this. Please send our condolences to all and especially Anne,
Love,
Ted and Linda Anthony in Fort Worth, TX
August 19, 2011
"Deepest sympathy to you, Linda, and your family. Praying for you to have strength from your memories of your loving Tim." Jan Gray Skeed
Inge Loske-Frye
August 19, 2011
I am just reconnecting with Valley High School classmates and I am so sad to hear of Tim's passing. I have many wonderful memories of Tim and I always thought he was such a kind person Rest in peace and my deepest sympathies to his family.
Maureen Townsend-Remmes
August 19, 2011
So sad to hear of TIm's passing, always sad to hear of such a tragic loss of a classmate..my thoughts and my prayers are with you today and your family..rest in peace..
Tim working on the 1942 WWII Aircraft Naval Factory N3N aircraft project
Iowa Military Aviation Heritage Museum
August 18, 2011
The Iowa Military Aviation Heritage Museum members extends our deepest sympathies to Linda and family. Tim was one of our driving forces for the museum and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
August 18, 2011
Linda, Heather, Jill, Anne, John and Janie--My heart has been heavy ever since I learned of Tim's tragic death. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time. I have been reliving all the wonderful memories I have of the Griffith family during the time we were together at St. Timothy's God bless you all. Fr. Bob Hedges
August 18, 2011
There's a scene from the movie "The Right Stuff," where members of the press ask Gordon Cooper who was the best pilot he ever saw. He lists some from the past, and then smiling says "You're looking at him." Who's the best pilot I ever saw? Two come to mind: Frank Berlin, Sr. and Timothy Jack Griffith. One a childhood idol and the other a friend and high school classmate. But Tim has passed, a fate that we all will face. God blessed Tim by taking him while doing what he loved more than anything. . . flying. When I think of Griffy, I hope I will always picture a blue sky, fluffy white clouds and a shiny, silver jet climbing high into the sun. Rest in peace my friend.
Carl W. Nord
Ron & Kay Bromert
August 18, 2011
Linda, please accept our condolences and deepest sympathies in your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ron and Kay Bromert
August 18, 2011
Linda, Heather and Jill - our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill and Diane Erickson
Bonnie/ Ron Millard
August 18, 2011
Dear Linda and family,
We send our deepest sympathy for your deep loss. Tim was a true gentleman and we feel privileged and proud to have known him. Our prayers are with you and Tim.
In loving memory.
Ron and Bonnie Millard
August 18, 2011
Linda, Heather, Jill and family,
My heart breaks for all of you. I hope you can find strength in knowing that so many are praying for your healing. God Bless You All. Love, Tracy McMurray
August 18, 2011
Linda,
I remember the times I spent with you, Tim and Anne. He was a joy to visit with regarding his wine and beer making and family treasures. Anne, I know how much Tim meant to you. I will always remember the love that radiated between you all. I will pray for peace and healing through this tragic period. You will be blessed with warm memories of the many years you shared.
My heart aches for your family's pain.
Barbara Granzow Robinson
August 18, 2011
So sorry for your loss, as Tim will be missed by alot of people. I will keep you in our prayers.
John George
August 18, 2011
Linda, My heart bleeds for you and your family. I have no words so will let Hallmark do the talking for me...A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam. And for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world. But then it flies on again, and though we wish it could have stayed we feel so lucky to have seen it. May your pain pass quickly to be replaced with warm and loving memories. Sigma love, Ralf
Gary McKeown
August 18, 2011
Linda, Our deepest regrets for the lose of a very special man in your life, we will remember him always. Prayer goes out to all your family. We love you.
Pam and Frank Harrison
August 17, 2011
Linda and Family, Frank and I were shocked and saddened to learn of Tim's death. We are keeping you all in our daily prayers and know that God will carry you through this difficult time.
Leigh Johnson
August 17, 2011
Heather and Family,
I was saddened to hear of the loss of your dad. Please know you, the kids and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers!
August 17, 2011
Linda: Tim was one of the greatest people I have ever known. He will be missed by all who knew him. You and your family have our deepest sympathies.
Mike Callison
August 17, 2011
Linda: Tim was one of the greatest people I have ever known. He will be missed by all who knew him. You and your family have our deepest sympathies.
Michael and Gail Guarino
August 17, 2011
Linda, Our hearts are filled with grief for you and your extended family and we will miss our dear neighbor and friend, "Tim". Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Lisa, Dan & Zach Spain
August 17, 2011
Jill, Peyton & Family,
I am so sorry - I can not even imagine the grief. We are holding you close to our hearts.
"And he will raise you up on eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand."
Lisa
August 17, 2011
Linda and Family
So sorry to hear of your loss. Know that all of your Sigma Sisters have you and your family in our prayers!
Sandy Herzog Johnson
August 17, 2011
Linda and Family - I just learned of Tim's passing, and wanted to extend my condolences to all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and your family. Take care, and God bless you!
Bob Pettis
Jenn Elsworth
August 17, 2011
Aunt Linda,
We are were shocked and saddened to hear about Uncle Tim. You and your family are in our thoughts.
Our deepest sympathies,
Rick, Jenn, Brooke, Lindsey and Braden Elsworth
Myrna Whigham
August 17, 2011
Linda, so sorry to hear about Tim's accident. Your Sigma sisters are thinking of you. My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Davey Sanderson
August 17, 2011
Linda and family,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Tim and I enjoyed many great flights together. We will all miss him.
Sincerely,
Davey Sanderson
August 17, 2011
Linda,
I was so sorry to hear of Tim's passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you, Heather, Jill and family.
Roger and I always thought so highly of Tim. Our family so appreciated his tribute to Roger by flying his plane over the Iowa Veteran's Cemetary for his funeral. May family and friends sustain you during this difficult time.
Ruthie Gilbert and family
MG Robert & Nancy Felderman
August 17, 2011
Family and friends of General Tim, we offer deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time.
On this day and in the days ahead, may the love of those around you help lift the sorrow from your heart. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Robert Felderman
August 17, 2011
Family and friends of Gen Tim, with deepest sympathy to you and family at this difficult time, please accept our thoughts and prayers for your loss. Major General Bob and Nancy Felderman, Dubuque, Iowa.
August 17, 2011
Sending prayers and sympathy to you and your family. Rosie Scott Turner Scott's grandmother.
August 17, 2011
Linda and family. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I have so many happy memories of Tim and I doing safety seminars dating back to the 1970's. Tim will always be a part of my aviation memories and will be greatly missed. Roger "N" Clark
August 17, 2011
I am so sad that we truely lost a great man! Thoughts and prayers for you and the family as you walk through the journey! We are always here for you!
Tom and Carla Davis
Tonya,Brian and Mia Glenn
August 17, 2011
You will be in our thoughts and prayers. We loved Tim.
The Mc Namara's
August 17, 2011
Wow Linda - I have thought about you and your sisters several times over the years. Sad that I had to learn of your whereabouts by this means.
Love,
Ed (Eddie) Ames VHS60
August 16, 2011
Linda, You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Jan & Norm Townsend
Carol Armington Dieterichs
August 16, 2011
Linda,
Mom just told me about your tragic loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
August 16, 2011
Dear Linda and family: We were shocked and saddened to learn of your tragic loss and our hearts go out to you in this very difficult time. With love from Terry and Brian in British Columbia, Canada
Terry & Cindy Holinsky
August 16, 2011
Linda,
We will surely miss Tim at the poker game. He was a great person and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Philip & Judith Liljestrand-Parker
August 16, 2011
Linda,
Words cannot express how our hearts hurt for you and your family.
What an honor to know both you and Tim!
May you find some solace and strength in your family and friends...
August 16, 2011
Linda, our heart goes out to you and all your family in this tragic time. I was honored to know Tim and have the opportunity of his company at the spring training games with the Pirates and at the "Trop". He will be sorely missed, but greatly remembered in our prayers. Jeff & Simone Smith, Bradenton, FL
Gelder and Donelle Griffith
August 16, 2011
Linda, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Tim touched our lives deeply and will be missed greatly.
Gelder and Donelle Griffith
August 16, 2011
Linda, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. He touched our lives deeply and will be missed greatly.
August 16, 2011
Linda,
I am so sorry to hear of Tim's passing. l fondly remember the great times we shared. My thoughts are with you and your girls during this difficult time. Jacque Wood Thompson, Carlsbad, Ca. 92008
August 16, 2011
Linda,
I am so sorry and shocked to hear about Tim. My prayers go out to you and your family. Jack Yakovich
August 16, 2011
Linda,
Tim was a HS teammate and a classmate's husband. Words can't express my feelings. I will be remembering Tim and thinking of you & the girls. God bless you.
Colin McBee
Duane Wittstock
August 16, 2011
Linda, Tim will be missed by all, our prayers are with you
Jennifer Hampton
August 16, 2011
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. My heart aches for you all.
August 16, 2011
I am sorry to learn of Tim's passing, and hope you will find both strength and love from family and friends at this time.
David Mieras,Frankfort, IL
August 16, 2011
Linda' our deepest sympathy, Roch and Julie Naert
August 16, 2011
We wish to express our sympathies in your loss, Linda. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayer. Bill and Dena Forret
August 16, 2011
Linda,
My heart goes out to you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Linda Hunter Porter
Sam F. Figg
August 16, 2011
Linda:
I was sorry to learn of Tim's passing, and hope you will find both strength and love from family and friends at this time.
Sam
Showing 1 - 59 of 59 results
Make a Donation
in Timothy Griffith's name
Memorial Events
for Timothy Griffith
Funeral services provided by:
McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
How to support Timothy's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Timothy Griffith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
