Jerald "Jay" Griffin Sr.

Jerald "Jay" Griffin, Sr. entered eternal rest on March 11, 2026, at Baystate Hospital. A man of strength, resilience, and unwavering purpose, Jay lived a life devoted to family, community, culture, and history. For more than eight years he used a wheelchair, yet he never allowed his mobility challenges to define his spirit or limit his impact.

"Jay," as he was affectionately known to all who loved him, was born on March 20, 1944, in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was one of sixteen children, nine boys and seven girls, born to the late Andrew and Geraldine Griffin.

Jay was a proud product of the Springfield Public Schools. A natural athlete, he enjoyed playing football in his youth. Following graduation, he held several positions within the local community, including employment with the United States Post Office. He later joined his brother Andrew in working with Robert Carkhuff, Ph.D. Dr. Carkhuff and his associates developed a series of operational helping skills trainings that identified the essential ingredients of effective helping into four teachable skill sets.

After completing a training assignment with the Dallas, Texas Police Academy, Jay was offered the opportunity to remain in Texas. He accepted and subsequently held several positions with the State of Texas. While there, he pursued higher education in Austin and graduated from St. Edward's University with a bachelor's degree.

In 1988, Jay married Freda Gaston in Texas. That same year, he returned home to Springfield. He worked briefly for the Hampden County Sheriff's Department before joining Northern Educational Services, where he served in an administrative role until his retirement in 2010.

A respected and prominent community leader, Jay's legacy of service began as early as 1969 when he co-founded Harambee, an annual cultural festival celebrating unity and heritage within the Springfield community. In 1989, he was also among the founders of the Stone Soul Festival, where he served as chairman for more than 30 years. What began as a one-day celebration in Forest Park has grown into a three-day Labor Day tradition held at Blunt Park.

Jay remained deeply committed to strengthening and uniting the Springfield community. He served as a Park Commissioner and contributed his time and leadership to the Ward Four Democratic Committee, the Bilingual Veterans Association, and the Armed Forces Day Celebration Committee. He was also an active member of the Old Hill Neighborhood Council and C-3 Community Policing.

His passion for preserving African American history was evident through his participation in Living History reenactments. Known as "Scallywag Hawkins," Jay proudly portrayed a member of the Peter Brace Brigade of the 54th Massachusetts Troops Company E., under the command of Ron Brace, Jr. A true history enthusiast, Jay also found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed playing backgammon and pinochle, and he was especially known for grilling his favorite meat, brisket, for family and friends.

Throughout his lifetime, Jay received numerous honors recognizing his dedication to community service. Among them were the Holy Trinity COGIC Landmark Award (Proverbs 22:28), the African Americans Against AIDS (AAA) Award, the African American Community Education Service Award, the Springfield Health and Human Services Luminary Award, the Brethren Community Foundation Award, recognition from The C.R.E.W., the Digital Boombox Network Community Award, the Community Pillar Award from the New England Media Awards, the NCCJ Human Relations Award, the Sankofa Trailblazer Award from the Black Behavioral Health Network, and the Ubora Award.

In 2024, Jay was deeply honored when the City of Springfield named a street in his recognition, "Jay Griffin, Sr. Way," located at the intersection of Quincy Street and Eastern Avenue. The pavilion at Blunt Park was also named in his honor.

Jay was a member of the historic St. John's Congregational Church. Although he did not regularly attend in person, he maintained a deep faith in God and the power of prayer. In his later years, he especially enjoyed virtual worship services, sermons, and listening to old-time gospel music.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory his devoted wife of 37 years, Freda Griffin; his children, Imani McCoy (Robert) of Springfield, Crystal Glenn of Springfield, Sheldon Griffin (Shanise) of Springfield, Timothy Griffin (Veola) of Springfield, Carolyn Thornton of Maryland, Christel Grissett (John) of North Carolina, Gloria Cotton (Edward) of Texas, and Jade Ross of Texas. He is also survived by his brothers, Andrew Griffin (D'Ann) of Georgia and Albert Griffin, Sr. of Springfield; and his sisters, Joan Porter and Karon Tyler, both of Springfield, and Melba Rickerson of North Carolina. Jay further leaves a cherished legacy of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Jay was preceded in death by his sons, Jerald "Jay" Griffin, Jr. and Eric Harley; his grandsons, Malcolm Harley and Jaron Jerome; his brothers, Erving Griffin, William Griffin, David Griffin, George Wilcox, and Robert Griffin; and his sisters, Joyce Blevins, Thelma Scott, Germaine Sims, and Pauline Norwood.

Jay's life was a testament to service, cultural pride, leadership, and love for his family and community. His legacy will continue to live on through the lives he touched, the traditions he helped build, and the generations who will remember his strength, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to bringing people together.