James R. Griffith Sr.

WEST BOYLSTON – James R. Griffith, Sr., 85, of Newton Street, passed away on Thursday, April 15, 2010 in UMass Memorial Healthcare-University Campus, Worcester, after a brief illness. He leaves his wife of 63 years, Grace B. (Simonds) Griffith; three sons, William "Bill" D. Griffith of Nashua, New Hampshire, James "Rick" R. Griffith of Saugus, Charles P. Griffith and his wife Karen of Van Nuys, California; two daughters, Gail A. Nelson of Saugus and Tracey E. Gordon of Queensland, Australia; a sister, Edna Robertson of Long Beach, California; 6 grandchildren, Jeffrey M. Nelson of Danvers, Samantha E. and Mackenzie E. Gordon of Queensland, Zachery E. Gordon of North Queensland, Katie R. and Daniel J. Griffith of Van Nuys; and many nephews and nieces. A son, Michael S. Griffith, died in 1961. James was born on June 17, 1924 in Lynnfield, one of fifteen children to William H. and Mary H. (Kelley) Griffith. He lived 45 years in Saugus before moving to West Boylston in 1995. He was a World War II Army veteran serving in Company K 254th Infantry Regiment, European African Middle Eastern Theatre and was a recipient of a Purple Heart and the Distinguished Unit Badge. He was a disabled American veteran. He was a self-employed aluminum contractor for over 30 years and later worked 10 years as a machinist for Jasco Aluminum in Peabody. He was a member of Oakdale United Methodist Church, and past member and Master of the Palestine Lodge of Masons in Everett, and was past High Priest of the Bethsaida Royal Arch Chapter in Everett. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 24th, in the Oakdale United Methodist Church, 15 North Main Street, West Boylston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02214-2699. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden is directing arrangements. Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com