Jim Griffendorf

Jim Griffendorf, 79, of Three Oaks, passed away on April 29, 2003, with his family at his side. Jim was born November 12, 1923 to A.J. and Elsie Griffendorf in St. Joseph, MI. He attended Berrien Springs and Sarasota, Florida High School and completed his education at Ferris State College and the Chicago Institute of Floral Design. Jim and his wife Evelyn (Kolberg) married and opened the Three Oaks Florist and Gift Shop in 1956 and served the community until their retirement in 1990. Jim had great memories of his early years in Florida and appreciated the ability to return there to live and visit family and friends. His desire to be close to his son Kevin, daughter Kimberle (Reck), son-in-law Matt and grandsons Taylor and Kyle brought him back to Michigan in recent years where he enjoyed landscaping, family gatherings, listening to the sounds of the big band and playing cards with his grandsons. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, 11:00 A.M., at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., with Father Steve Gibson officiating. Friends may meet with the family for visitation from 3-5pm and 7-9pm, Thursday, May 1, at the Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, the River Valley Senior Center, or Trinity Lutheran School-Sawyer, which Jim supported. Those wishing to send a condolence message or sign the family guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com