Jerry B. Griffin

Jerry B. Griffin died Thursday, November 24, 2022, at the age of 79. He was born on April 10, 1943, at the old Seton Hospital in Austin, Texas, to Monetta Walker Griffin and Anthony C. Griffin. He considered himself somewhat of a “unicorn” in that there are not many people in Austin today who were born here.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Sally Lucchese Griffin; his brother, Tommy Griffin and Tommy’s wife, Jana; Sally’s nephew, Sam B. Lucchese III and his wife Jennifer; great niece, Talley Lucchese and great nephew, Sam B. Lucchese IV. He is also survived by some of his own cousins as well as Sally’s cousins. All of his survivors feel a tremendous sense of loss because he was so much fun to be with, such an optimist (even in extreme circumstances), so dependable, such a reliable source of good advice, and always willing to help. He was the centerpiece of any gathering.

Jerry grew up in south Austin at a time when it was fun to be a kid in a neighborhood full of childhood friends. He graduated from William B. Travis High School in 1961 and followed that up with a BBA degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He was proud of his Texas degree and was an avid supporter of Longhorn athletics, especially the football program. Jerry met his future wife (and fellow Longhorn fan), Sally, at Travis High. They dated all through high school and college and were married in February 1967. The wedding was followed by over 55 years of marriage.

Jerry’s BBA degree major was in Insurance, the field in which he worked his entire career. He had jobs with companies selling computer hardware and software to the insurance industry. With his friend and business partner, David Anderson, he owned a company that provided the insurance agency industry in Texas with a unique service that allowed their agencies to run more efficiently. The company was a major success and was bought by a larger company for which both Jerry and David continued to work for several years. Jerry’s career required travel all over Texas and many areas of the United States. He loved the work and the travel opportunities. He was a very successful salesman because of his personality, his knowledge of the product, and his obvious interest in the needs of the agencies.

Jerry was also in the military, serving in the Air Force Reserve. When the USS Pueblo was captured by North Korea in January 1968, Jerry’s reserve unit was called to active duty for almost two years. Most of that time was spent in Kunsan, South Korea, directly across the border from the North. Jerry was in the air police while in the reserves. He said he was never colder in his life than the time he spent in Korea. Ironically, the captured crew of the Pueblo was released by the North Koreans and came home before Jerry and his unit came home.

Traveling was always a highlight for Jerry. He and Sally made many trips to Europe over the years, having incredibly fun adventures. His favorite areas were Great Britain and Italy. He loved the history of the areas they visited and loved having interaction with local people. Since Jerry never met a stranger, he was always ready and happy to talk to locals who could give him the flavor of an area.

Golf and snow skiing were Jerry’s favorite personal sports. For many years, Jerry traveled to Colorado to meet his brother Tommy for ski adventures, especially over the Super Bowl weekend, which he and his brother made a tradition with other friends as well. Jerry belonged to Lost Creek Country Club and had a wonderful circle of friends who were regular golfing buddies, playing three to four days a week. There were also fun golfing trips with his brother and friends to golf resorts in various areas of the country. A major highpoint of his golf life was playing at Pebble Beach.

Another passion was space flight. He was able to meet Alan Shepard and several of the original astronauts including Neil Armstrong. He had the chance to witness the Space Shuttle Discovery launch that carried John Glenn on his last space flight. Jerry considered that one of the most exhilarating experiences of his life.

Jerry was a kind, compassionate, and loving human being. A “fine man” in the truest sense of that term. He took care of his family and was always willing to help a friend. He loved children and they loved him. He loved dogs and had a succession of great dogs, most were of the “mutt” variety rescued from animal shelters. His last dog, Buddy, misses him.

If you would like to remember Jerry in some way, please make a donation to the Austin Humane Society (which was his favorite charity), the American Cancer Society, or a charity dear to you.

A memorial service for Jerry will be held Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78752.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Griffin family.