James Ward Griffin Sr. passed away on January 15, 2025, in Bradenton, Florida, at the age of 93 surrounded by family. He was born on August 29, 1931, in Simla, Colorado, and was a devoted husband and beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many.
His early days were spent in Goodland, Kansas, and Leon, Iowa and from age 7 he grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he graduated from Montgomery Blair High School in 1950. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, during which time he met his wife, Evelyn Mary (Sulich) Griffin. He raised his family, with love and care, in Maryland and was a successful entrepreneur. In 1971, he founded Griffin Cycle, which remains in the family, owned and operated by his son, Nick Griffin, and continues to serve the community in Bethesda, MD today. He became a grandfather at age 45 and was known as "Papa" from there on. He retired at age 55 and was able to enjoy many wonderful years of retirement in Bradenton, Florida.
He found joy in classic and sports cars, boating, and water skiing, and was always willing to help anyone in need. He was known for his love of practical jokes and laughter and brought humor and warmth to those around him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Evelyn, who passed away on June 23, 1997, and his parents, Mabel Lorey (Chew) Roche (d. 1995), his birth father, Edward Joseph Griffin Sr. (d.1934), his step-father Vincent Luke Roche (d. 1979), his four brothers, Edward Griffin Jr., Vincent Roche, Lawrence Roche, and John Francis Roche, and his partner Carol Nichols (d. 2023). He is survived by his six children: Debra A. Schuster (Mike), Patricia M. Griffin, Catherine V. Young (Steven), James W. Griffin Jr. (Jacqueline), Nicholas R. Griffin (Lynne), and Mary Beth Griffin; 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren; as well as his two sisters Vivian Worch (Christopher) and Ellen Libertine, his sisters-in-law Ann Griffin and Patricia Roche, brother-in-law, Thomas Sulich, and many nieces and nephews.
Jim "Papa" Griffin will be remembered for his innovative spirit, love of family, and ability to fix anything and bring joy through laughter. He will be deeply missed by the many who loved him dearly. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.
The family and friends will gather to remember Jim on April 19, 2025, at the Oak Room at Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department in Maryland. Please let the family know if you will attend by responding at www.evite.me/JimGriffinCelebration
Memorial donations may be made to Sunrise Communities of Southwest Florida (Bradenton) at
