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James Griffin Obituary
Norfolk - James Walter Griffin 89 of Norfolk passed away peacefully in his daughters home in Manassas, Virginia on February 22, 2013. Mr. Griffin was born in Americus, Georgia the son of the late Cornelius Griffin and Bessie Cobb Griffin.
A retired US Navy Commander, Mr. Griffin served his country in many assignments over the years, most prominently was as Commanding Officer of the USS Threadfin (SS-410) and Commanding Officer of FAU/CINCLANT. After retiring from the Navy, he worked for NBC Lines in Norfolk as a Pilot boat Captian. He was also a former Captain of the Spirit of Norfolk.
Mr. Griffin was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norfolk. His greatest joys in life were telling stories of both the sea and his family's roots in railroading, his family who loved him very much, his parish family at Sacred Heart Church and speaking of the goodness of all human life.
Mr. Griffin was preceded in death by two brothers, Cornelius Griffin and George Griffin, a sister, Vivian Luten, and his daughter, Mary Kay Phillips. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Anne Christine Russillo Griffin, three daughters; Christine Anhalt and husband Scott of Manassas, Virginia, Margaret Oleynick and husband Marc of Philadelphia, PA., Andrea Swanson of Las Vegas, NV, five sons; Father James C. Griffin of Virginia Beach, Michael P. Griffin of Norfolk, Va., Matthew G. Griffin and wife Diane of Meridian, MS, Col. Paul F. Griffin and wife Kathy of Richmond, Va., and Philip J. Griffin and wife Megan of Florence, SC. Mr. Griffin is also survived by 23 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, six as of May 2013, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. He will be missed dearly by his family, friends and all who knew him.
A funeral Mass will be held 7:00 p.m. Tuesday February 26, 2013 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norfolk. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments Norfolk Chapel is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hdoliver.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Griffin
February 28, 2013
My condolences to the family. I am sorry to read of your loss. May the Almighty God (Psalm 83:18) comfort you during this difficult time.
Karen Holderman
February 27, 2013
My prayers are with the Griffin family. My God's love and strength carry you through this difficult time.
February 26, 2013
Ou deepest sympathy to you, Jake & Caitlin. You & your family are truely in our thoughts. Your grandfather sounds like a wonderful man. May his memory live on in his beautiful family. God's blessing to all of you. The Robinson's
Rollie Swanson
February 26, 2013
Wonderful and kind man to all family and friends. Love you very much, Grandpa. Saying my prayers for you from Afghanistan, wish I could be there to give my respects.
February 25, 2013
our thoughts are with you at this time of great loss.
HARRY AND LAURIE OLEYNICK
Debbie Gaimel
February 25, 2013
Deepest sympathy to the Griffin family.
Lynda Shirk Williams
February 25, 2013
My prayers go out to the entire Griffin Family. Jim was a wonderful man and will be missed by so many.
Heather Paone - McGrath
February 25, 2013
He was a kind, wonderful man who gave our world so much in his legacy. An inspiration to us all. God bless. All my love to all the family.
Carol Lilla
February 25, 2013
I am so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. Anne, Fr. Jim and Family, you are all in my prayers.
Fondly, Carol
sandra comer
February 24, 2013
So sorry to hear of your father's death. My prays are with all of you at this time.
Neal Griffin
February 23, 2013
Learned of Uncle James' death today from my sister, Jeanne. I am so very sorry.....May God rest his soul, and be with his family at this time.
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