James A. Griffin Sr.

CHATHAM – James Arlen Griffin Sr. passed away peacefully at his home in Chatham, surrounded by his family on June 2, 2015, at the age of 81. He was born May 7th, 1934, the youngest son of Alexander Wayne and Elizabeth (Blankenship) Griffin.

Jim was a true native Cape Codder, born into and raised in one of Chatham’s old fishing families. He graduated from Chatham High School, as one of the 22 members of the class of 1952. The summer after graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in active duty during the Korean War. During his years of service, he was awarded several honors including a Medal of Good Conduct and graduating 1st in his Radio School class. After tours in Japan and the Pacific, Jim returned to the United States and attended Boston Radio School. He spent the next few years working in marine electronics, and then began his career working as an electrician, and commercial fishing with family and friends.

“Uncle Jim”, as he was affectionately known, was a lifetime member of the Chatham VFW, Post 8607. He spent over 40 years behind the bar keeping thirsty Vets happy, serving soldiers from WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. He was everybody’s favorite bartender, storyteller and friend. He reluctantly retired shortly after his 80th birthday.

An avid (and long-suffering) Red Sox fan, Jim loved his family, his garden and his annual deer hunting trips to Maine. He was a devout communicant of Holy Redeemer Church in Chatham. He and his wife Angie raised 4 children, always emphasizing the values of hard work, integrity, kindness and grace. He had a contagious laugh, a warm and welcoming personality, and made everyone he was introduced to feel like they were part of the family.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Agnes (Angie) Kelleher Griffin, of Chatham, MA; three brothers; A. Wayne Griffin, Jr. of West Burke, VT; Robert E. Griffin (Joyce and Eunice-deceased) of Harwich, MA; Richard W. Griffin (Mary MacLellan) of Chatham, MA; and two sisters; Virginia B. Forgeron (Edward-deceased) of Chatham, MA and Joyce Gallup (John-deceased) of Melbourne, FL.

He also leaves his four children, Julie (Griffin) Kay and her husband Martin Kay of Newton, MA; Carol (Griffin) LaBranche and her husband Peter LaBranche of Eastham, MA; son James Arlen Griffin, Jr. of Chatham, MA and daughter Amy Griffin of West New York, NJ. Also surviving are his beloved grandchildren; Dylan James Kay, Caroline Paula Kay and Griffin “Fin” Robert LaBranche, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends, in particular, long-time fun-loving family friend Mary Frances Carey MacDonald.

A visiting hour for family and close friends will be held on Monday, June 8th from 9:30-10:30am at Nickerson Funeral Home in Chatham. A funeral Mass will follow at 11:00am at Holy Redeemer Church in Chatham. Burial will be at Peoples’ Cemetery in Chatham. There will be a reception following at the Chatham VFW.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the VNA of Cape Cod-Hospice, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.