Jim McGriff Obituary
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James Leroy McGriff was born on October 15, 1942, to Lowell and Ada (Ladd) McGriff. He attended and graduated from North Mahaska High School in 1960 and went on to attend William Penn College and Southeast Missouri State, earning an Associate of Arts degree.
On January 10, 1962, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Marla Deming, at the United Methodist Church in New Sharon. They became the proud parents of two sons, Cary and Kevin. Jim worked in Eldora for ten years before starting his farm store business, McGriff's of New Sharon, in 1976. Through his work, he made many lasting friendships before retiring in 2009.
Jim enjoyed bowling, golf, and fast-pitch softball. He especially loved playing and sponsoring his fast-pitch team and took great pride in McGriff Field in New Sharon. He and Marla treasured their home at Lake Ponderosa for 40 years and loved traveling together in their motorhome. Each year, they especially looked forward to their time at the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds, surrounded by friends and family.
Jim is survived by his sons, Cary (Amy) McGriff and Kevin (LaRayne) McGriff; his grandchildren, Sarah McGriff, Katie Pikul, Megan McGriff, Blake McGriff, and Madison McGriff; and many great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Alan McGriff and Michael McGriff, both of New Sharon, and Coralou Lundon of Cedar Rapids, along with several nephews and great-nephews.
Jim was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Oskaloosa, Iowa. A private family graveside service will be held at Friends Cemetery in New Sharon. Holland-Coble Funeral Home of New Sharon is in charge of the arrangements.
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308 W. Maple St. P.O. Box 85, New Sharon, IA 50207
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