James "Big Jim" Griffith

Big Jim is an irreplaceable jewel of a man; we send condolences to his wife and family. As transplants from the Mid-West, Jim turned us into Tucsonians with his books, lectures, festival, music and mere presence. May he rest in peace.

Though I never knew him, I had a pre-pubescent crush on Big Jim after seeing him on stage in "Diamond Studs" and have remained fond of him ever since. His passing is a loss for the whole community. My condolences to his family.

Is there a memorial service planned? I would love to attend. I have so many fond memories of him.

Bob Amalong was my Daddy , I also was a member of the OldTime Fiddlers I Loved Big Jim He was The Coolest Guy I Ever New , I Enjoyed his Music & Stories , I / We all lost a Good Friend so many Friends & FAMILY pasted away This Month My Heart Hurts l Don´t Get the paper anymore &. So I missed his Service Sorry for your Loss XOXOXOXO But We Know That He Made It Safely Home To The Arms Of Jesus AMAN

My deepest sympathies, condolences, and prayers to Big Jim´s family. The last time I saw Dr. Griffith and Loma, was at the Pima Community College´s annual Symposium created by Pima College Anthropology Professor Dr. Dianna Repp. I mentioned to Loma that I well remembered going to their home with Dr. & Rev. Kieran McCarty, O.F.M. and enjoying the conversation about the history of the Sonoran Jesuit missions and Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino, S.J. I also remember how much Rev. Celestine Chinn...

Big Jim was just that larger than life. I have a favorite black and white picture of him playing at Southside Presbyterian Church with my toddler son in little overalls standing in front of him staring up and just moving to the music. He was a wonderful man.

Arizona has lost on of its dearest souls. Jim was a truly caring and wonderful person as well as of course a great musician and true appreciator of the music and folklore heritage of Arizona and the Southwest. We were friends of Jim during our mutual studies in the anthropology department of the University of Arizona during the 60's. Jim was well loved and would often play the banjo and sing at the fun graduate student parties. We all leaned a lot from Jim!

I worked for Big Jim doing internships, and took all he had to know. Best storyteller ever. RIP

Amazing human who made Arizona a better place `