Jack G. Griffin

Jack G. Griffin, 88, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died peacefully at his home on Monday, January 31st. Jack was born in Battle Creek, MI on February 7, 1916. His father was the late Leo Griffin, whom passed on while Jack was still an infant. His mother was the late Grace Griffin Curran and his stepfather was Charles Curran. Jack was a graduate of St. Phillips Catholic High School in Battle Creek. He first served in the Air Force during WWII, then the Korean War, and retired from the Air National Guard. His military career spanned 33 years of his life. He was very proud of his military career and shared it with everyone. One of his favorite stories was the fact that he was in the last Mission recorded for B-24?s in WWII. Jack had a love of reading, was an avid bridge player, and had a passion for Notre Dame. Being the Irishman that he was, he always had a joke at the ready. He had jokes for anyone, anywhere, anytime. His professional career entailed working as an industrial engineer at United Steel & Wire, Bendix, and Auto Specialties from which he retired. Jack was a life-time member of the St. Joseph Elks Club, a member of the Stevensville American Legion Post 568, D.A.V., VFW Post 1137, and Berrien Hills Country Club. He is survived by Berniece, his wife of 50 years; six children ? Mary (Michael) Sears, Elizabeth (Tom) Kepp, Charles Griffin, John Griffin, Teri Griffin, and Tim(Mindy) Griffin; ten grandchildren – Michelle, Lynette, Jena, Katherine, Jill, Michael, John, Zachary, Ally, Gabby; niece Pat (Dave) Conor; nephew Michael (Jill) Sebo; and four great nieces and nephews. His only sibling Jane Sebo, preceded him in death in 1999. Visitation will take place on Wednesday from 5:00 ? 7:00 P.M., February 2, 2005, with a Rosary said at 7:00P.M., at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 A.M., Thursday at Saint Bernard?s Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware, Benton Harbor. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by Stevensville American Legion Post # 568. Friends wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Memorial Donations may be made to Lake Michigan Catholic Schools.