James Jeffrey Griffin

James Jeffery Griffin, Jr., was born May 6, 1950, in Hickman, Kentucky, to the union of James Griffin, Sr. and Irene Josephine Porter Griffin. He is the third child of 13 children- ten boys and three girls.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Bert and Emma Lee Carter Griffin Dunn; his maternal grandparents, Homer McGil and Annie Irene Cassell-Porter; three infant siblings and a cousin-brother, Arbery Agnew.
James confessed a hope and faith in Christ at an early age and was baptized under the leadership of Rev. E.W. Wallace and became a member of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Wolf Island-Medley, Missouri.
James was a 1969 graduate of East Prairie High School. A year later, he was called by draft to serve his country in June of 1970, and served until February of 1972. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served as a combat solider and machine operator, stationed in Vietnam.
In his return to stateside after other jobs, he began employment with the Missouri Department of Transportation, retiring after 25 plus years of service. He then began his own lawncare service. This was a great love for him, for he so much enjoyed being outdoors.
James too was a snappy dresser- leisure suits, hats and jewelry. He was fond of all genres of music. He was noted calling his Big Sis, just a few days before his passing, playing one of his favorites and also that of his dad's, the Williams Brothers "I'm Still Here."
James had a great love for his family and was truly a Big Brother.
On Saturday, April 13, 2024, James, "Sonny", "Sea-Biscuit", "Big $ Griff", all he was affectionately known as, was called home at the age of 73 years, 11 months and 23 days, at his home in Charleston, Missouri.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories, one son, Troy Clark, Sr., of Las Vegas, NV; three daughters, Shawna (Chris) Neal of Enterprise, AL, Samantha (Rufus) McClung of Taylors. SC, and his "Road Dog" and devoted caregiver, Nakeisha Shanaye Griffin of Charleston; his six brothers, Leroy Griffin of St. Louis, Donald J. (Juanita) Griffin of Hickman, KY, Floyd L. (Betty) Griffin, Sr. and Richard T. (Pamela) Griffin of Charleston, Herbert P. (Tonya) Griffin of Oklahoma City, OK and Albert M. (Sandra) Griffin of Charleston; his three sisters, Rosetta (Leroy) Bradley and Donna L. (Ricky) Moore of Sikeston and Wonda D. (Glenn) Fennell of Charleston; eleven grandchildren, Alexiah, Troy, Jr., Ke'Jonnae, Ke'shaevion, Imyja, Di'Ajenique, Heaven, Jakese, Ji'Keiss, Ji'Keria and Ji'Zyrieah; his five great grandchildren; and his ride and die crew, Clarence "Blinky" Dossie, Jr., Cuz' Rolester Dalton and Lawrence Huff; his awesome sister in law, Geraldine Griffin and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and many friends.
Second Timothy, Chapter 4, verses 6-8
"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto them all them that also love his appearing."
The body will lie in state for family and friends from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the United Methodist Church, 1700 East Marshall Street, Charleston, MO. Rev. Ronnie Mack will officiate.
Interment with full military honors will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery near Charleston under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston.
Pallbearers will be Albert M. Griffin, Herbert P. Griffin, Richard T. Griffin, Glenn Fennell, Sr., Lawrence Huff and James Lawrence.
Honorary pallbearers will be Leroy S. Griffin, Floyd L. Griffin, Sr., Donald J. Griffin, Floyd L. Griffin, Jr., Ji' Keiss Walker, Rufus McClung, Ja'Kesse Thompson and Leroy Bradley.
Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.