Obituaries
James K. Griffin Sr., age 76, died December 28, 2022.
James Kenneth Griffin, Sr. was born September 11, 1946 to the late James Edward and Marian Jean Griffin in Seattle, Washington. James Kenneth was a graduate of Garfield High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Seattle University 1968. James began his active duty military career in the United States Army. During this time James and Bette would spend many years traveling domestically. In 1970, James received orders to Vietnam Nam where he served as a Cobra Helicopter pilot . He was a Master Army Aviator, rated since July 1969, in Fixed- Wing and Rotary Wing aircraft. He was a commissioned officer where he spent 12 years active duty and 11 years Army Reserve. James retired April 1994 as a lieutenant Colonel United State Army. James civilian career included him flying a King-Air Jet for Weyerhaeuser Company, Seattle, WA. In November 1984, James accepted a First Officer position with Federal Express Corporation ( now known as FedEx). The family relocated to Memphis , Tennessee in March 1985. James spent 23 years as a pilot for FedEx. He retired as Captain on the A-300, Heavy, Airbus in 2006. From the cockpit to the pulpit, James K.
Griffin, Sr., stepped into foreign and unfamiliar spaces and made his presence and impact well known. A Vietnam Cobra helicopter fighter pilot, First Black pilot for Weyerhaeuser, a FedEx pilot coming onboard in the early days of a young company and Pastor at New Beginnings Community Church, he planted seeds and affected the lives of so many. Rest in heaven!
The Griffin Family!
Serenity Funeral Home, Tel. (901) 379-0861.
Previous Events
Visitation
13
Jan
4480 Kirby Pkwy
Memphis, TN 38141
Service
14
Jan
229 S. Danny Thomas Blvd.
Memphis, TN 38126
Committal Service
17
Jan
4000 Forest Hill Irene Road
Memphis, TN 38125
Cemetery Details
Location
4000 Forest Hill Irene Road
Memphis, TN 38125
