Obituary
Raymond James (Jim) Griffin passed away at Dr. Phillips Hospital on Friday, July 16, 2021. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Ginny; his two sons, James F. Griffin (Michelle) who resides in Missouri and Jonathan Adam Griffin (Candice) who resides in Colorado; six grandchildren, Daniel, Gabriel, Samuel, Evelynn, Jonathan Jr., and Eilah; four sisters, Roberta Eby (Wes), Rose Smith (Ronald), Rebecca Millwater (Lawrence) and Rhona Bartram (Bart); and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his sister Ramona Eade and by his parents, Katie Rourk Thomas and William Raymond Griffin.
Jim was born in Charleston, SC, and moved to Florida as a teen. He served proudly in the U.S. Air Force for 6-1/2 years during the Vietnam era. After marrying Ginny in Maryland, he received his discharge from the Air Force and they moved to Florida. Jim earned his BA in education at what is now Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL. He then received his Masters at Rollins College in Winter Park. Jim had a heart for teaching, and he fulfilled that calling in Orange County schools for more than 32 years. Most of his teaching career was at William R. Boone High School.
Jim loved God first in his life, with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He enjoyed studying the Bible and sharing God’s Word with others. He played guitar, bass guitar, or drums on the Praise and Worship team at New Life Worship Center, Gotha, FL for 30 years, and it gave him great satisfaction to be able to play for God. He also served in other ministries as needed. Jim’s family was a vital part of his life. He loved and was so proud of his sons; his grandchildren were a joy to him. Jim also lived for soccer. He coached in various aspects of soccer for over 40 years. More than 30 of those years were spent as Varsity coach at Boone High School. During that time, he was inducted into the Boone Hall of Fame as well as the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Jim’s satisfaction came from impacting the lives of so many young men who came through the soccer program at Boone. Jim was always “Proud to be a Boone Brave.”
Jim’s life will be celebrated in a memorial service to be held on Saturday, August 21, 10:00 AM at New Life Worship Center, 2342 Hempel Ave, Gotha, Fl. Family and friends are invited to attend.
Those wishing to honor Jim in some way are encouraged to donate to Convoy of Hope, a faith-based humanitarian organization: convoyofhope.org; Convoy of Hope, PO Box 1125, Springfield, MO 65801
Thanks for being a great coach and a great friend.
It is not possible to fill the void in our earthly life your passing has left but your faith, words of encouragement, quirky sense of humor, and humble spirit spoke loudly of your love for our Lord Jesus Christ and for all of us, your church family. As you rest now in His shadow, we remain in faith believing we shall see you again and rejoice together in Paradise.