James E. Griffiths

James E. Griffiths - SAVANNAH - James E. Griffiths passed away at home after a short illness on February 15, 2012. He was born on June 1, 1931, grew up and was educated in Canada. He graduated from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba and McGill University in Montreal, Quebec with several degrees in Chemistry after which he spent two marvelous years in a post-doctoral appointment at the University of Southern California. He moved to Murray Hill, New Jersey in 1960 to accept a position as a Member of the Technical Staff at AT&T Bell Telephone Laboratories, now known as Lucent Technologies. After twenty six years in basic research, he retired as a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff. During that time, he also served as a Visiting Professor of Physics at the University of Paris VI and as a Visiting Professor of Chemistry at the University des Sciences et Techniques de Lille in Lille, France. He also served as a Corporate Director of Instruments S.A. in Metuchen, New Jersey (1984 - 1997) and was elected as Fellow of the Optical Society of America (1984 - present). After retirement, he held the position of Distinguished Consultant in Residence (1987 - 1994) at Armstrong Atlantic University in Savannah. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary C. Griffiths (nee Lytwynka). They were married in 1954, thereby starting a lifelong journey together. Also surviving is a son, James Andrew Griffiths, who was born in Los Angeles in 1960, a granddaughter, Nicole Alexis and a grandson James Allyn both of Summit, New Jersey, a sister, Elizabeth M. Surtees of Winnipeg, Manitoba and several nephews and nieces. He and his wife Mary moved to the Landings in 1987 where he continued his long postponed interest in tennis and golf. Advancing years took care of tennis but he continued his interest, in golf with enthusiasm and as much vigor as possible. To him, life was a marvelous adventure which he thoroughly enjoyed, so much so that he was reluctant to leave it. As time goes by, however, one has little, if any, choice in the matter. When the spirit world calls, one must go. At his request there will be no memorial service. Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com Savannah Morning News February 19, 2012 Please sign our Obituary GuestBook at savannahnow.com/obituaries.