James M. Griffin

1939 - 2017

James M. Griffin

Virginia Beach - James Melvin Griffin, passed away on 9 July 2017 at the age of 77. James is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Loreta Sabando Flordelis Griffin. They were married in Cavite, Philippines in 1964.

James is lovingly remembered by his children, Jerry Hershel Griffin of Ashburn, VA; Christine Lynn Griffin of Shaftsbury, VT; Maria Inez Flordeliz Griffin of Virginia Beach, VA; daughter in law Rosalinda Montijo Griffin, grandchildren, Hershel Griffin, Valeria Griffin and Alissa Montijo. He is also survived by his siblings Bruce Griffin and wife Pamela Griffin of Madison, South Dakota; Patty and husband Harry Beaver of Manassas, Virginia; and Sharon Rae Quinn of Williston, Vermont and many nieces and nephews. James is predeceased by his youngest brother Michael Griffin of Barre, Vermont.

James was born in the Green Mountain State of Vermont in Montpelier, Vermont on 27 July 1939 to Joseph Melvin Griffin and Idella Marie (Leavitt) Griffin. James attended St. Michaels Grade school, Montpelier, VT; East Montpelier Grade School, East Montpelier, VT; and graduated from Montpelier High School, Montpelier, VT in 1958 where he was fondly nick named, "Snowshoes". James enlisted in the United States Marine Corp on February 6, 1958 and after four years, transferred to the United States Navy where he continued to serve his country proudly until his retirement on 1 July 1986. James had a combined service career of 30 years. James worked as an Aviation Electrician First Class. He was a Crew Chief on C-9B's, C-12's, C-47's, C-131's and C-118's. He was a Loadmaster on his favorite planes the C-130's, C-118's and C-131's. James worked fuel division aboard the USS Essex and was Plane Captain on T-28's and SNB's. James' career took him all over the world. Some of the most notable assignments that he and his family traveled to were, Hawaii, Spain, Philippines, Patuxent River MD, Texas and NAS Oceana. James is also a Veteran of the Vietnam War. His decorations for service are; Good Conduct 5th Award; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Service Medal w/Silver and 1 Bronze Star; Air Medal First and Second Strikes Award; Meritorious Unit Commendation 2nd Award; and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

James enjoyed fishing, and playing Pinochle with the boys at the Fleet Reserve Association. He also loved going to his grandchildren's baseball games and Taekwondo events. He was passionate about baseball and football. Loved his Red Sox and New England Patriots. He was also a lifelong member of the Fleet Reserve Association and Friends of Bill.

James was always there with a hug, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, always caring, and he turned lives around. His love was bestowed as a gift-freely, willingly, and without expectation. James did not love to be loved, he loved to love. In loving memory of James Melvin Griffin

A Mass will be held on Friday, July 21, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach VA. A burial will follow at Rosewood Memorial Park.

A special thanks to the Doctors and Nurses of the CCU at Sentara Virginia Beach General. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org. You may offer your condolences at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.