John Michael Griffin

John Michael Griffin was born on October 28, 1947, in Belleville, Kansas. He passed away peacefully on April 7, 2024, with his loving wife Gail, and his two children Laura and David at his side after an illness that proved too much for fragile lungs. John was 76 years young.

John is survived by his wife Gail Griffin. They married in 1969 and were happily together for more than 55 years. Their love was a beautiful testament to marriage. John is also survived by his daughter Laura Sheinbaum, married to Pete Sheinbaum, and their two children, Charlee and Zac Sheinbaum; his son David Griffin, married to Kathleen Griffin, and their two children Theo and Tommy Griffin; and his sister Glenna Greenwald, married to John Greenwald.

John grew up in Prairie Village, Kansas, and graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in 1965. He moved to Ohio after high school and attended the Ohio State University, earning an undergraduate degree, with honors, in Business Administration in 1969 and a Master’s Degree in Economic Geography in 1971. John worked for Battelle Memorial Institute for 25 years, managing economic development plans for communities all over the nation. After his time with Battelle, he worked as a consultant with Celeste & Sabetay, Taratec, and the State of Ohio doing start-up business incubation.

John was a dedicated member of Covenant Presbyterian Church for many years, a community that he loved beyond measure. His faith in God showed through all he did. John was an avid golfer and took great joy in organizing the Church’s men’s golf group. He also loved to travel and took many amazing trips to places like Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, and all over the United States. He was a stalwart Ohio State fan and proudly wore his scarlet and gray alma mater colors his entire life.

But John’s true love was his beloved wife Gail and his family. John and Gail met while students at Ohio State and their dates included attending every home Ohio State football game. He took delight always in being a father and was a true north in their lives since they were born. He loved his four grandchildren and nothing created a bigger smile than spending time with them. He was a true patriarch and even at the end of his life, he was able to direct a room with a simple swipe of his hand. He will be missed more than he could ever know by Gail and his family.

John was a kind, loving, man of faith with an occasionally spicy streak and a commanding personality. Family will receive friends from 3-4:30 PM on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Covenant Presbyterian, where a Memorial Service will begin at 4:30 pm followed by a reception at 5:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Covenant Presbyterian Deacon’s Fund.