John Jeremiah Griffin

May 17, 1929 - July 18, 2016

John Jeremiah Griffin has peacefully passed away on July 18, 2016 in California after a few years of deteriorating health. Johnny was born in Savannah, Georgia on May 17, 1929, one of eight children, three brothers and four sisters, to Joseph Francis Griffin and Marie Leacy Griffin. His father was founder and owner of the Griffin Oil Company of Savannah and a prominent member of the City Council. Johnny graduated from Benedictine Military School, a Catholic high school for boys in Savannah. He attended Georgetown University and then graduated from The Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta in 1953 with a degree in engineering. He served in the United States Army and was first Lieutenant. Stationed in Strasbourg, Austria, he was called to active duty during some events of the Korean War. He returned to Savannah to help with the family business when his father suddenly passed away in 1955. In 1957, he married Felicia Henderson of Savannah Georgia. They had two daughters, Claire and Felicia. After a divorce, he moved from Savannah to Central Florida. In 1971, he married Betty Ann Needles in Orlando Florida. Along with Betty's son Jim Moore, they moved to California. John and Betty actually raised 4 of their granddaughters, Tara, Heather, Jen, and Britany. After Betty passed away in 2014, Johnny's granddaughters have lovingly cared for their “Papa”. Johnny kept his charming, witty, sense of humor throughout his life and he was well-known for his endearing smile and that seeming twinkle in his eyes. He was loved and he will be missed! In Florida, Johnny is survived by two daughters, Claire Duffy (Michael) and Felicia Griffin-Rhoden, six grandchildren, Claire's children Patrick Duffy, Christopher Duffy, and Joseph Duffy; Felicia's children Claire Brooks Davis (Brandon), William Fred Rhoden, and Sarah-Felicia Rhoden; and a great-grandson (Kingston Davis) expected in Fall 2016. In California, Johnny is survived by step-son, Jim Moore (Judi), and five granddaughters Tara Moore, Heather Sheets, Jennifer Caldwell, and Britany Moore, Leah Moore and six great-grandchildren, Tara's children Johnathan Steinman and Katie Steinman; Heather's daughter Penelope Sheets; Britany's children Raymond Holland and Madison Holland; and Leah's son Michael. There are also other extended family members and many friends in California who will miss Johnny. Johnny is pre-deceased by his wife Betty, his parents, and his siblings William Leacy Griffin, Marie Griffin Withington, Eleanor Griffin Moorer, Josephine Griffin Doyle, Joseph Francis Griffin Jr.; but his sister, Patricia Griffin Weis, as well as his brother, Francis Xavier Griffin, still reside in Savannah. He also leaves some nieces, nephews, and extended family in Savannah, Georgia and in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and elsewhere. John Griffin's graveside service will be July 27, 2016 at Riverside National Cemetery.

Claire Griffin Duffy

Lit a candle in memory of John Jeremiah Griffin