James Charles Griffeth

After a long battle with diabetes, James Charles Griffeth, 86, died peacefully on Saturday evening, August 4, 2012 at Lexington Court Care Center with his family by his side. He was a resident of Shelby most of his life before moving to Wedgewood Estates in Mansfield in 2007.

Jim was born October 2, 1925 in Richland County to Cleo and Vernice (Cole) Griffeth. He graduated from Ontario High School in 1943 and married Barbara Jean Paine on December 24, 1947.

After graduation, Jim was assigned to the Pacific Theater during WWII. After the war, he was employed by Wilkins Air Force Depot in Shelby and then spent two years (1958-59) at Norton AFB in San Bernardino, CA. He retired from Shelby Autocall in 1990, after 29 years of service. Following his retirement, Jim worked at Cornell’s IGA where he enjoyed talking with customers as he assisted them to their cars. In addition, he was a poll worker on voting days for many years and owned a small saw sharpening business. Jim attended the First United Methodist Church in Shelby where he served as an usher, church treasurer, financial secretary, and also as a member of the finance committee. He was a member of the Challenger’s Sunday School Class and served as the teacher of that class for many years. Jim was most recently a member of the First Congregational Church in Mansfield.

Jim enjoyed attending and watching sporting events – from the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Indians to the Shelby Whippets. He also spent much time attending the many sports and music events in which his grandchildren participated. He was a 15-gallon blood donor for the American Red Cross and was a member of bowling teams for many years.

A devout Christian, Jim lived his religion, and set a positive example for all those around him. His spirituality enabled him to better cope with all of life’s challenges. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and family members.

Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years: Barbara Jean Paine Griffeth; three daughters and sons-in-law: Sally and Bud Henderson of Mansfield, Nancy and Fred Fairchild of Galion, and Laurie and Scott Hoyda of Shelby; a son and daughter-in-law: Ronald and Paula Griffeth of Springfield, VA; 13 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law: Ruth Griffeth of Cincinnati, Betty Griffeth of Columbus and Sally Hillard of Louisiana; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother: Vernice Griffeth in 1988; his father: Cleo Griffeth in 1958; three brothers: Rev. Francis Griffeth in 2008, Richard Griffeth in 2009, and Eldon Griffeth in 2011; a granddaughter: Jennifer Fairchild in 2006; a brother-in-law: Lawrence Paine in 1995.

Friends may call on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 from 5-8 PM at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby and from 10 – 10:30 AM on Wednesday at the First Congregational Church Chapel, 640 Millsboro Road, Mansfield. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM in the chapel conducted by Rev. David Hartzfeld. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Shelby with military honors. Memorial expressions may be made to Shelby Helpline Ministries or to Jennifer Fairchild Scholarship Fund, to benefit the Raemelton Therapeutic Riding Program. To share a memory or leave a condolence please visit
penwellturner.com