James Laurence Griffith

James Laurence Griffith

LANCASTER, Pa. - On Feb. 24, 2023, James Laurence Griffith, 89, of Lancaster, formerly of Portville, N.Y., went home to be with his Heavenly Father, following a brief illness.

Born Aug. 3, 1933, in Olean, N.Y., he was a son of Charles E. and Bertha E. Evans Griffith.

James was a graduate of Portville High School, Class of 1951. On April 4, 1953, he married Alberta Hoffman, who predeceased him. On Nov. 1, 1975 he married Fay Long, who predeceased him. In his later years, his love and friendship was shared with long-time companion Jackie Hollister, who also predeceased him.

He was employed by Dresser Clark in Olean for many years before moving to the Lancaster area in the mid 1970s. There he worked for J.C. Snavely & Sons Inc. of Landisville, delivering lumber and building materials. He also worked for Lezzer Lumber of Lancaster, and Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company of Mount Joy.

James was a member of the First Assembly of God of Lancaster. He cherished his time with Jackie and the families of her daughters, Kim and Dolly.

He was a fan of Lancaster Barnstormers baseball, bowling, football, NASCAR, a good steak and hot coffee from MacDonald's. He also very much enjoyed playing his guitar and listening to country music, especially Merle Haggard.

Surviving are two grandchildren, John Ross and Christina Haas; one great-granddaughter Bailey Stick; and several nieces and nephews.

James was additionally predeceased by his daughter, Cheryl Griffith Ross; son-in-law, Michael Ross; seven brothers, Gerald Griffith, Harry Griffith, Charles Griffith, Robert Griffith, Lynford Griffith, Lynton Griffith and David Griffith; three sisters, Margaret Milgate Potter, Geraldine Schoonover and Gloria Rhow Chapin; and Jackie's daughter, Penny Alexander; and son, Charles Rhoads.

There will be no public visitation.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Hospice & Community Care of Lancaster, or a charity of your choice.