Jimmy M. Griffin

Jimmy M. Griffin, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006. Born in Tucson, AZ, on March 30, 1944. Jimmy was raised in Yuma, AZ, where he graduated from Yuma High School in 1962. His remarkable musical talent was recognized throughout the Yuma community when he began studying piano with his beloved piano teacher, Audrey Bart Brown. He began his extensive career as a pianist, performing internationally with his then wife, Sandi Griffin, and many great celebrity singers. He also performed before Presidents Carter and Ford and First Lady Nancy Reagan. Jimmy toured with the Horace Heidt Orchestra in the Seventies and settled in Chicago for a while. Moving to Houston, TX, in 1981, Jimmy was Music Director for the Houston International Theatre School (HITS), training children and young adults in musical theatre and Grand Opera. In 1984 Jimmy met his life partner, Wayne Johnson, and they moved to Chicago in 1986, where he played piano in the Ritz-Carlton Dining Room and at The Four Season Hotel. The highlight of Jimmy's career came when he was invited by famed pianist Van Cliburn to play for a private party at his home in Fort Worth, TX. Jimmy and Wayne returned to Yuma in 2001 where Jimmy played for services at the First Methodist Church and The Science of The Mind Church. He also enjoyed performing with the Yuma Jazz Ensemble before he retired earlier this year. Jimmy is survived by his life partner of 22 years, Wayne Johnson; his mother Beverly Griffin; daughter Lisa Gill; grandsons Joshua Griffin and Michael Becket; and former wife Sandi Griffin; he was preceded in death by his father Lester M. Griffin; and sister Penny Bailey. Jimmy's remains were cremated and, at his request, no services are planned. Memorial donations should be made to the charity of your choice. For those who knew him, he will remain in our hearts forever.