Michael Ivy Griggs

Michael (Mike) Ivy Griggs, aged 53, of St. Johns, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, surrounded by family, after facing pancreatic cancer with courage and grace. Born at Torrejon Air Force Base in Madrid, Spain, Mike's life was one marked by service, innovation, and deep family devotion.

Mike attended Ku-ring-gai High School in Turramurra, Sydney, Australia, before graduating from Kingwood High School in Kingwood, Texas. He pursued higher education at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX, and later earned his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix.

From 1993 to 1997, Mike proudly served in the U.S. Navy as an Intelligence Specialist aboard the USS Juette and USS Tarawa, with deployments to the Persian Gulf. After his honorable discharge, he lived in Vista, California, working with Transwestern Publishing and Red.Net.

In 2002, Mike returned to Lafayette, Louisiana, to join and eventually take the helm of the family business, IvyTek, Inc. Under his leadership, he transformed their legacy loan management software into a cutting-edge cloud-based solution serving mission-driven lenders across the United States, empowering communities through impactful loans. The family relocated to St. Johns, near Jacksonville, Florida in 2014.

Mike's passions reflected a vibrant and generous spirit—an avid grillmaster, dedicated fisherman, enthusiastic sports fan, world traveler, passionate gardener, and devoted gamer. Above all, family was his greatest joy. He freely gave his time as a Boy Scout leader and devoted coach of his sons' soccer teams alongside his best friend, Steve Andrepont. His curious mind, infectious optimism, and genuine care inspired all who knew him.

Proud of his heritage, Mike was a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and served on the boards of Sault Tribe, Inc., and Chippewa Government Solutions (CGS). Locally, he founded the Jacksonville Salesforce Developer Group and contributed to the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce IT Council and CEO Forum.

Mike is survived by his devoted wife of 31 years, Sandra (Brys) Griggs; their children Reese Ivy Griggs and Jordan Griggs (and Jordan's fiancée, Lauren Fryoux); his parents Daniel Ivy and Vickie (Keller) Griggs of Livingston, Texas; sisters Marcy (Ashley) Hildebrand of San Antonio, Texas and Lacey Horton of Rockwall, Texas; as well as numerous, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins who cherish his memory. His final act of community generosity was to become an organ donor.

He was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Frank (Bud, Tom) and Phyllis (Peggy Irwin) Keller of Gould City, Michigan, and Frederick (Fred) Ivy and Una (David) Griggs of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

A Remembrance Service will be held on December 6, 2025, at 11:30 AM in the chapel of San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church, followed by a private celebration of life at the family home. An Indian Ceremonial burial with Veterans Honors will take place on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Newton Township Cemetery in Gould City, Michigan, followed by a gathering at Scott's Point on Lake Michigan.

The family gratefully acknowledges the compassionate care provided by Cancer Specialties of North Florida, Mayo Hospital, Community Hospice, and Quinn Shalz Funeral Home.