James Griffin

James Alvin Griffin, 80, of Oklahoma City, passed away on July 24, 2010. He was born in Ozan, AR on Aug. 22, 1929 to Jerseybell and Alonzo Griffin. He came to OKC after school in Ozan to begin work at the First Christian Church of OKC. He worked most of his professional life for Milligan Enterprises and maintained a working association with that company until he died. From 1979 thru 1991 he worked for KOCB TV Channel 34. James was an enterprising businessman who developed a small cleaning and maintenance business which he named J.A. Griffin Maintenance Co. He was on the Board of Directors of Speck Homes for Boys, an organization which provided mentoring and care for troubled boys. He entered the Army during the Korean War and after training at Ft. Sill, OK was sent into combat in Korea with an artillery battalion. He distinguished himself during that war, earning battle stars, bronze stars and special unit citation from the South Korean President Syngmon Rhee. He suffered extensive loss of hearing during battles in Korea which resulted in total loss of hearing in one ear and left him with minimal hearing in the other. While in Korea he also suffered frostbite in his lower legs and feet which caused him pain for the rest of his life. He was very proud of his service in the U.S. Army. He was a 100% disabled military veteran. He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother Robert Griffin. He is survived by his beloved wife Lula, daughter Lola Pierce, son-in-law Roger Gilbert Pierce, and 3 grandchildren Jeana, Alicia and Roger Garlyn Pierce. He leaves behind cousins and many many friends. James was a Christian man who loved God. He had the most engaging personality, loved his family, jokes, people and life. He was very proud of his grandchildren and everyone he met had to endure pictures and stories about them. He maintained permanent bragging rights. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Thurs., July 29, 2010, at Tabernacle Baptist Church, OKC, Rev. Dr. Daryl R. Hairston, Minister, to be followed by burial at Rose Hill Burial Park, OKC. Rolfe Funeral Home conducting, 2936 NE 36 St., 405-424-4136.