Obituary for James Standley Griffin
It is with great sadness we announce that James Griffin, age 37, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, George and Katherine (Thomas) Wallis, and paternal grandparents, Jefferson and Margaret (Standley) Griffin.
James Standley Griffin was born April 4,1983, in Norman, Oklahoma to parents Bennett M. Griffin, Sr. and Linda Kay (Wallis) Griffin.
The youngest of four children, James developed a love of sports at an early age. As early as 18 months, he was fascinated by the game of football and would practice his three point stance. Later he learned how to tackle his brothers and quickly became adept at holding his own in backyard games. James started playing team football as an eight year old in the Junior Football League. He continued to play throughout middle school and high school and was proud of his participation in Derby High School’s long-standing football tradition. Following high school, he remained an avid fan of football and other sports. His favorite teams included the Kansas City Chiefs, the KU Jayhawks basketball team, and the Kansas City Royals.
Percussion was a bond James shared with his brothers Bennett and Brian - much to the delight of their parents, and dismay of their sister Katie. Following in his older brothers’ footsteps, James played on the drumline in marching band while in high school and at KU and later used his talent to serve on the praise team for a time at his church.
James enjoyed helping people. After recuperating from an illness, he was inspired to pursue a degree in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Hutchinson Community College. It was his goal to use his education and personal experience to help others on their road to physical recovery.
Most notably, James will be remembered for his love of family. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or listening ear whenever it was needed. From doing yard work, to painting, to helping with a move, he graciously assisted his parents, siblings, and others however he could. On numerous occasions, James worked with his father and brothers at company trade shows, contributing his skills and friendly nature to the advantage of the business. As a devoted uncle, he joyfully attended his nieces’ and nephews’ sporting events, dance recitals, and choir concerts, celebrating their accomplishments with pride. Likewise, James was admired by his nieces and nephews, who always looked forward to family gatherings where their Uncle James would be present.
James is survived by parents Bennett M. Griffin, Sr. and Linda Kay (Wallis) Griffin; siblings Bennett M. Griffin, Jr., Brian Griffin (Leesa), and Katie Keener (Robb); as well as seven nieces, four nephews, and two great-nephews (Alycia, Cora, Hannah, Emma, Ava, Josie, Evie; Devon, Marshall, Robbie, Thomas; Raylan and Colt)
Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, July 5th, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family being present from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Smith Mortuary - Derby Chapel, 1415 N. Rock Rd., Derby, KS.
Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 6th, at Hillcrest Cemetery, 10102 E. 95th St,, Derby, KS.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Woodlawn United Methodist Church, 431 S. Woodlawn Blvd., Derby, KS 67037.
James Standley Griffin was born April 4,1983, in Norman, Oklahoma to parents Bennett M. Griffin, Sr. and Linda Kay (Wallis) Griffin.
The youngest of four children, James developed a love of sports at an early age. As early as 18 months, he was fascinated by the game of football and would practice his three point stance. Later he learned how to tackle his brothers and quickly became adept at holding his own in backyard games. James started playing team football as an eight year old in the Junior Football League. He continued to play throughout middle school and high school and was proud of his participation in Derby High School’s long-standing football tradition. Following high school, he remained an avid fan of football and other sports. His favorite teams included the Kansas City Chiefs, the KU Jayhawks basketball team, and the Kansas City Royals.
Percussion was a bond James shared with his brothers Bennett and Brian - much to the delight of their parents, and dismay of their sister Katie. Following in his older brothers’ footsteps, James played on the drumline in marching band while in high school and at KU and later used his talent to serve on the praise team for a time at his church.
James enjoyed helping people. After recuperating from an illness, he was inspired to pursue a degree in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Hutchinson Community College. It was his goal to use his education and personal experience to help others on their road to physical recovery.
Most notably, James will be remembered for his love of family. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or listening ear whenever it was needed. From doing yard work, to painting, to helping with a move, he graciously assisted his parents, siblings, and others however he could. On numerous occasions, James worked with his father and brothers at company trade shows, contributing his skills and friendly nature to the advantage of the business. As a devoted uncle, he joyfully attended his nieces’ and nephews’ sporting events, dance recitals, and choir concerts, celebrating their accomplishments with pride. Likewise, James was admired by his nieces and nephews, who always looked forward to family gatherings where their Uncle James would be present.
James is survived by parents Bennett M. Griffin, Sr. and Linda Kay (Wallis) Griffin; siblings Bennett M. Griffin, Jr., Brian Griffin (Leesa), and Katie Keener (Robb); as well as seven nieces, four nephews, and two great-nephews (Alycia, Cora, Hannah, Emma, Ava, Josie, Evie; Devon, Marshall, Robbie, Thomas; Raylan and Colt)
Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, July 5th, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family being present from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Smith Mortuary - Derby Chapel, 1415 N. Rock Rd., Derby, KS.
Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 6th, at Hillcrest Cemetery, 10102 E. 95th St,, Derby, KS.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Woodlawn United Methodist Church, 431 S. Woodlawn Blvd., Derby, KS 67037.