On June 28, 1931 in South Haven, Michigan Albert and Edna (Minshall) Griffith welcomed a son, James A. Griffith into their family. James was a lifetime area resident graduating from Benton Harbor High School. After high school James proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. James attained the rank of Corporal, was a Purple Heart Recipient during his service, and received many other service medals and accommodations. After returning home from serving his country James married Elsie Zandarski on November 19, 1954.

James worked as a truck driver and in his spare time he enjoyed fishing, following baseball, and bowling. James was a member of Stevensville VFW Post, Teamsters Local 7, The Moose Lodge, A Chosin Few, and Papasan-Mamasan Korean War Veteran's Association. His greatest joy was spending time with his loving family which includes: six children James (Deborah) Griffith Jr, Jeffery (Ramona) Griffith, John (Suzanne) Griffith, Joseph Griffith, Julie Ann (George) Smith, and Jerry Griffith; 12 grandchildren Tyler, Garrett, Kristina, Kelsey, Tyraah, Terry, Alex, Amanda, Terrance, Joseph, Sara, and Jason; eight great grandchildren; a brother Herbert Barringer; and many special cousins and caregivers.

James passed away Thursday, October 16, at the VA Hospital in Battle Creek. His loving wife Elsie, parents, a great grandson Jordan, and a daughter-in-law Cheryl precede James in death. Funeral services will be celebrated Tuesday, October 21, at 5:00 PM with visitation prior starting at 3:00 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Memorials may be made in James' memory to Battle Creek VA Activities Fund. You may share a memory of James at hutchinsfuneral.com.