James "Big Jim" Griffith

James Griffith Obituary

GRIFFITH, James "Big Jim"

was born in California in 1935 and moved to Tucson in the late 1950s to study anthropology at the UofA. There began his lifelong love affair with the region, its people and their customs. He spent the next 60 years passionately learning, discovering and sharing, enthusiastically helping others respect and appreciate the art and cultures of his adopted home. In 1974 Jim launched the idea of a regional folk arts festival as a showcase for the rich diversity of Tucson's folk and ethnic communities while highlighting the common threads that bind us together. Leaning on friends and family Jim put together Tucson Meet Yourself. As the festival has grown and blossomed it has succeeded in validating so many folk traditions-making it easy for people to be proud of who they are. In addition, Jim continued to teach and to express his own creativity in his music and his many books and articles.

To help continue his work, donations in Jim's memory may be made to Tucson Meet Yourself at the Southwest Folklife Alliance, PO Box 42044, Tucson, AZ 85733 or https://tucsonmeetyourself.org/donate/ or https://southwestfolklife.org.give. Another of Jim's favorite organizations was Tucson's Birthplace/Mission Garden which he admired as a truly homegrown outpouring of love and respect for our place and its cultures. Look for Friends of Tucson's Birthplace at missiongarden.org/donate.

Jim died peacefully at home December 18, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Loma and children, Kelly (Cesar) and David (Anna) and grandchildren, Emile and Arwen. Many thanks to the friends who brightened Jim's last days with visits and music.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Dec. 23, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for James Griffith

11 Entries

lou & terry dudas

January 14, 2022

Big Jim is an irreplaceable jewel of a man; we send condolences to his wife and family. As transplants from the Mid-West, Jim turned us into Tucsonians with his books, lectures, festival, music and mere presence. May he rest in peace.

Dee Korich

January 6, 2022

Though I never knew him, I had a pre-pubescent crush on Big Jim after seeing him on stage in "Diamond Studs" and have remained fond of him ever since. His passing is a loss for the whole community. My condolences to his family.

Delores Schultz

January 5, 2022

Is there a memorial service planned? I would love to attend. I have so many fond memories of him.

Cheryl Johnson

January 3, 2022

Bob Amalong was my Daddy , I also was a member of the OldTime Fiddlers I Loved Big Jim He was The Coolest Guy I Ever New , I Enjoyed his Music & Stories , I / We all lost a Good Friend so many Friends & FAMILY pasted away This Month My Heart Hurts l Don´t Get the paper anymore &. So I missed his Service Sorry for your Loss XOXOXOXO But We Know That He Made It Safely Home To The Arms Of Jesus AMAN

Margie Y.

December 31, 2021

My deepest sympathies, condolences, and prayers to Big Jim´s family. The last time I saw Dr. Griffith and Loma, was at the Pima Community College´s annual Symposium created by Pima College Anthropology Professor Dr. Dianna Repp. I mentioned to Loma that I well remembered going to their home with Dr. & Rev. Kieran McCarty, O.F.M. and enjoying the conversation about the history of the Sonoran Jesuit missions and Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino, S.J. I also remember how much Rev. Celestine Chinn and Big Jim enjoyed making each other laugh whenever Jim came to San Xavier Mission. I left my position at Old Mission San Xavier del Bac in 1988 and became a PCC History adjunct faculty, then later in 1995 a full time faculty. After my friend Kieran died, I focused on my students and the college. Hearing of Jim´s passing, I truly believe that he and Kieran are still sharing stories and smiles and laughter up there in Heaven. We miss you both.

Kim Otero

December 29, 2021

Big Jim was just that larger than life. I have a favorite black and white picture of him playing at Southside Presbyterian Church with my toddler son in little overalls standing in front of him staring up and just moving to the music. He was a wonderful man.

Robert and Christine Fry

December 27, 2021

Arizona has lost on of its dearest souls. Jim was a truly caring and wonderful person as well as of course a great musician and true appreciator of the music and folklore heritage of Arizona and the Southwest. We were friends of Jim during our mutual studies in the anthropology department of the University of Arizona during the 60's. Jim was well loved and would often play the banjo and sing at the fun graduate student parties. We all leaned a lot from Jim!

Andrew Benjamin

December 25, 2021

I worked for Big Jim doing internships, and took all he had to know. Best storyteller ever. RIP

Julee Dawson

December 23, 2021

Amazing human who made Arizona a better place `

Deb Ardrey

December 23, 2021

Our prayers are with your family.

duane gibson

December 23, 2021

I never met James but admired his music and writings and once owned a Vinyl Record of his. He is a treasure in music and history of Arizona. Please accept my condolences for his passing.
Sincerely,
Duane Gibson
Vail, AZ

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