Mr. William James "Jim" Griffin, Jr.

UTICA – On Sunday, August 18, 2024, humanity lost a bright light with the death of William James Griffin – a gentle gentleman, a humble unassuming man. He was born in Utica on November 22, 1938, to William and Alma (Ruben) Griffin, both of whom predeceased him. Jim was married to Jean Puleo; a loving marriage until her death in 2017. He was the father of two sons whom he cared for deeply - with concern for their well-being. He was a graduate of Utica Catholic Academy in 1956 and Utica College (Utica University) in 1969. Jim completed the required graduate credits at Upper Division (SUNY Poly). He possessed deep devotion to the Christian faith in Jesus. Jim frequently ended conversations by saying, “Pray for the children.” Jim had a kind heart in all ways and was dedicated to the teaching profession with a special concern for the academically challenged students. He was moved to help with charity work until a brain tumor compromised his eyesight. When a friend was told of his passing, she said, “He was a wonderful, lovely man.” He was a faithful friend who demanded no requirements for the friendship. He was a friend who asked for nothing but gave generously. Jim was mostly a quiet, decent man, but would speak up for a just cause. He was a quietly proud veteran of his service in the United States Army (1961-1963) and multiple years’ service in the National Guard. Jim never got caught up in the over-devotion to professional sports although he enjoyed playing baseball in high school and was an active bowler for a time. He did fish for pleasure in his younger years. He was the great-nephew of one of Utica’s earliest professional major league baseball players - Mike Griffin of 1887-1898. He departs his two sons, Steven James Griffin, and Glenn Matthew Griffin; one grandson, Blake Sterling Griffin and his mother Danielle Washburn; one sister, Gail (Griffin) Santacroce; two sisters-in-law, Annette (Evan) Lewis, and Anita (James) McNichol; two brothers-in-law, Philip (Sharon) Puleo, and Michael (Linda) Puleo. Jim also leaves many friends, professional teaching colleagues, and former students. He was predeceased by a sister-in-law, Theresa Ann Puleo. William James Griffin had no official titles or political standing except a reputation of being a model citizen with a willing heart eager to contribute to his community. As this is being written, there is a nagging guilt that Jim would be embarrassed by the kind words stated in public. It is sad that a man like Jim, with an impeccable character and humble personality, is unknown until his obituary is read in the newspaper. Those who knew him, know the length and breadth of influence for good that came from his life quietly well-lived. To help heal our turbulent society, the world could use more men like William James Griffin. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2024, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions in Jim’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org/donate or to the Alzheimer’s Association Mohawk Valley Chapter online at https://www.alz.org/centralnewyork; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend William’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St. Entombment will follow in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum where Military Honors will be conferred by the U.S. Army. This obituary was lovingly composed by William’s dear friend.

Mr. William James "Jim" Griffin, Jr.

November 22, 1938 - August 18, 2024