Our beloved Jim suddenly and unexpectedly stepped through the gates of Heaven, on Thursday morning, August 20, 2009. He left this world in the arms of Giselle, his loving wife of 31 years, in their Fresno home. Jim started his earthly journey on July 19, 1944, in Merced, California. Jim was the second child born to James Lee and Viola Rose Griffin.

Jim was a California State University, Fresno graduate and practicing CPA for 40 years in Fresno. Most of his career he was in solo practice. Jim insisted on keeping that 'personal touch' with his clients, most of whom he considered his friends. He was never without personal involvement in a variety of church, business and community activities. Jim was active in Peoples Church for 40 years, the Chief Financial Officer for Fresno Christian Schools for 15 years, and an Evangel Home board member for five years. Jim ceaselessly studied God's word. He loved serving and worshiping his Lord Jesus. He participated in several Bible study groups and has led a home Bible study since 2004. He served his country in the National Guard. Jim loved traveling with his family. Hawaii was a favorite destination.

Jim will be remembered as a true and faithful man of God, a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend.

Giselle gave in to Jim's numerous loving proposals for a lifetime commitment after a three and one half year romance. They wed on December 15, 1978. Their earthly romance continued until Thursday, August 20, 2009...their Heavenly romance continues forever. As an expression of their love, God blessed Jim and Giselle with two children, Paige and Jordan. Jim was previously blessed with two children, Brooke and Brent.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Giselle; their daughter Paige Griffin of Washington D.C. and her boyfriend Ray Byers; their son, Jordan Griffin and wife Joelle of Fresno, Ca.; his daughter, Brooke Ishii and her husband Garrett of Caruthers, Ca.; his son, Brent Griffin and his wife Sandy of Ridgefield, Wa.; his parents, James Lee and Viola Rose Griffin of Chowchilla, Ca.; his sister, Viola "Tyke" Rose Farr and her husband Gary of Chowchilla, Ca. He is also blessed with seven beautiful grandchildren, many extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Graveside Service will be held at Belmont Memorial Park on Wednesday, August 26, 2009, at 9:00 a.m.

A Memorial and Celebration will be held at the Peoples Church Sanctuary on Wednesday, August 26, 2009, at 10:30 a.m.

Remembrances may be made to Fresno Christian Schools, or Peoples Church, 7172 N. Cedar, Fresno, Ca. 93720.

WHITEHURST

Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home

1525 E. Saginaw Way

Fresno, Ca. (559)227-4048

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee on Aug. 25, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Griffin

12 Entries

Jan Madonick

August 21, 2023

I have many fond memoeries of Jim! -Great sense of humor. He was so in love with his cars as I recall!

Janis Madonick

September 10, 2009

Dear Giselle & Family, I was a classmate and friend of Jim's at CUHS Class of '62. My name is Janis (McRee) Madonick. My parents are LD & Betty McRee of Chowchilla. We were all a "family" there in Chowchilla!

I was saddened to learn of Jim's passing. I have very fond memories of him as a CUHS friend and student. He was the jovial guy who always made me chuckle. He always made me feel like I was his best and only friend!
I know he will be greatly missed by his family especially and all who knew him.
These written memorials will bring you peace and solace as you read how much he meant to the many, many people who knew him in the past and through-out the years. But, you already knew that, no doubt!
Janis McRee Madonick, Atherton CA

Raul, Norma, and Dianne Chacon

August 29, 2009

Dearest Giselle and family,

Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather. May the wonderful memories of times spent together bring you comfort now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Robert & Ellen Garraty

August 29, 2009

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family."

Phyllis Redfield-Sears

August 27, 2009

Giselle, We send our love and condolences to you and your children. Jim was a very special person and a most trusted CPA. May the love of family and friends be of comfort to you at this time.

Phyllis Redfield-Sears and Richard Sears

Kenny and Jane Bedrosian

August 26, 2009

Dear Giselle and family...
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
It was so nice seeing you both at the recent concert but little did we know....May the Lord continue to give you all peace, comfort and strength...
He is our rock and salvation!

Joe /Charlotte Renna

August 25, 2009

Giselle and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We know Jim will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Ron & Shirley Titus

August 25, 2009

Giselle and family. We are so sorry for your great loss.
We trust that the Lord will be with you especially at this time.
We will keep you in our prayers.

Christopher Samuelson

August 25, 2009

Mr. Jim has been my CPA for the last 8 years -- through ups and downs, and I will sincerely miss his well-grounded and biblically-based guidance; and though my family and I will miss him here in this life, we all look forward to thanking him for his servant ministry in our eternal lives... Chris, Allyson & Kennedy Samuelson (San Clemente, CA)

Cynthia Alcala-Santos

August 25, 2009

My deepest condolenses, James was my CPA and friend for a least 20 years. He will be greatly missed.

Rowena Clark

August 24, 2009

We are keeping the Griffin family in our prayers during this very difficult time.

Paul, Rowena Clark and Family
Greg Tharpe

Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel Funeral Service

August 24, 2009

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results