James Griffin Obituary

Griffin, James Downs age 23 suddenly, devoted son of John J. and Margaret (nee Downs) Griffin, cherished brother of Meg (Greg) Gardner and John C. Griffin, loving grandson of Kathleen (the late John) Downs and the late Sarah and the late Charles Griffin, fond nephew of many aunts and uncles, and favorite of 45 first cousins. Jimmy truly embraced family and was the light of our lives. From a young age Jimmy's sparkling blue eyes and warm smile captivated many. He simply was a joy to be around. A dedicated athlete and ultimate competitor, Jimmy thrived on the basketball court. A proud three year starter of the Marist High School basketball team, Jimmy lead his team to a 50-9 record his last two seasons. He finished his high school career as the second all-time assist leader in Marist history. A quiet, yet confident leader on the court, Jimmy was most proud of the close friendships he made with his Marist teammates and classmates. He was loved by all. His hard work and perseverance paid off and he was awarded a full division 1 basketball scholarship to Samford University in Birmingham, AL. He was welcomed at Samford with open arms and forged great friendships with his teammates. Jimmy touched many lives and his loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him. Visitation Sunday, 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Monday, 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass 10:00 a.m. at St. Bede the Venerable Church, 8200 S. Kostner, Chicago. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. A scholarship fund has been established in Jimmy's name to benefit the Marist High School basketball program, donations may be sent to Coach Gene Nolan c/o Marist High School, 4200 W. 115th St., Chicago IL 60655. Arrangements by Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home. www.sheehyfh.com 708-857-7878    773-582-4400

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Sep. 11, 2009.
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Dear John and Marge,
I just found out. Please accept my deepest sympathy on such a great loss.
My prayers are for all of you that God will keep you strong and help you through the grieving process.
My Mom will give him a big hug for all of us.
Love, Laura (Poetzinger) Malatia

Laura Malatia

January 23, 2010

Dear Griffins,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Bob & Joe Spiegel

October 13, 2009

Dear Griffin family,

Please accept our heartfeld sympathies on your unspeakable loss. We have never had the pleasure of meeting Jimmy but from watching him play many times (our daughter Becky is a 2007 Marist grad), we could tell that he was a great kid. Always unselfish, always positive,great ball handler for a big kid, great all around player. We just wanted to share some of our impressions as we waited in line to pay our respects at St. Bede. In this world people can be judged to a large extent by the company they keep, and we were so impressed as Jimmy's young friends kept coming by the hundreds, clean cut young men and women, so well dressed and so sincerely overcome with grief. They waited in line for over three hours; we never heard one person complain about the wait. We remarked that it is a testament to the type of person Jimmy was and to the type of people that live on the South Side. Originally St. Denis parishioners, these are the kind of people we grew up with, and it was so refreshing to see so many fine people paying their respects to an awesome young man. We will never forget Jimmy and will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.

Don and Evelyn Dalton

October 5, 2009

Marge:

We are very sorry for your loss and are praying for you and your entire family. May the memories you have help you through this most difficult time.

JoAnn & Jon Buralli

September 23, 2009

Hello Griffins,

I've had the privilege of 'cheering' for Jim through his years at Samford. He is cherished by us all and I extend my deepest sympathies for your loss. As was demonstrated at the Memorial Service on Samford's campus, Jim's memory will live on forever. Thanks for sharing Jim with us and please know y'all are in our daily prayers.

Monty Hogewood

September 21, 2009

Hi Mrs. Griffin!

There isn't a day that passes by without me thinking of you and your family and of this very difficult time you are living. There is nothing that I can say that will take the pain away. I remember father Bill say that things happen for a reason. I know that God has his reasons but I pray every day that he gives you and your family the strength that you need to get through this time. Anthony was very sad about Jimmy. He kept saying "it's been a long time since I had last since I saw Jimmy" He loves you so much! I will pray for you and know that God is with you at all times. This is the time when he carries you to give you comfort and help you get through this time.

I am sure that Jimmy is looking down at you and asking God to give you strength!

Sincerely,

Anthony George Gonzalez
Jose Deelan Hernandez
Jorge Gonzalez & Luz Maria

Luz Centeno

September 18, 2009

Griffin Family,
My heart goes out to you and your extended family in the loss of your beloved son, James. I saw the news of his death and felt I needed to let you know your are in my thoughts and prayers. On February 8, I lost my youngest son - also an athlete - in a very similar way. He was the goalkeeper for Missouri Southern Soccer and was playing basketball in the off season to stay in shape. He collapsed during the game and was never revived. No one can understand the grief of a parent who loses their child in such a way. There are no words to describe the pain. I just want to let you know that you will remain in my prayers in the coming months. May your memories of James be a comfort to you. May God's infinite Grace and blessings be with you and your family.

Jan Hansen

September 18, 2009

Dear Marge, John, Meg/Greg and John:
Our condolences to one of the nicest families in the St. Bede parish. We remember watching Jimmy grow up through the years in the gyms while watching John (Dad) coach our two daughters and Meg playing volleyball at St. Bede and Mother McAuley. Bill, Mary, Jamie and Erin Halloran

September 17, 2009

I'm very sorry. I'll be thinking of your family. Meg, be strong.

Dan McCarthy

September 16, 2009

Griffin Family,

I am so sorry your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Tom Demke

Tom Demke

September 15, 2009

Dear Griffin Family, We would like to express our sorrow for your loss. Jimmy and all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you and may you find great comfort in your memories and family.

Rita (Fahey) Mahaffey

September 15, 2009

Griffin Family, I am so sorry for your loss, Jimmy was an amazing player and person sorry i could not make it to the serivces due to school. my thoughts and prayers are with you. with love and blessings.
Erin Gallagher
St. Bede c/o 2005

Erin Gallagher

September 14, 2009

Meg,

I am so sorry to hear about you and your families lost. There are no words to comfort in a time like this. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers during this heartbreaking time.

Amy Poynton Tomaszewski

September 14, 2009

Dear Griffin Family,

Steven and I are so very sorry for your lost. Jimmy was a wonderful young man. I feel so honored and blessed that I was able to know him. I know that this is a difficult time and the words and hugs just seem to blend together, but please know that GOD is with you all. He is helping you to cope at this difficult time. It is now that your faith in GOD will shine. For as much as we loved Jimmy GOD loves him so much more. GOD was so merciful, he chose to bring his ANGEL home. Jimmy will now look over each of you and protect you all. May GODS amazing grace continue to be upon you. WE will keep your family in our prayers. Please know that " Time is the best healer".

Our sincere sympathy and love,

Sylvia and Steven Rockingham

Sylvia Rockingham

September 14, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

The Moxley Family

September 14, 2009

Dear Griffin Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my heart and prayers and I will always remember Jimmy as my favorite and most loyal ball boy at DePaul. He checked in with me before every one of Meg's games to see if he could help. I was always so happy to hear about his success and it's hard to believe he had to leave us so young. I am very saddened by the news.

My deepest sympathies,

Patti (Culloton) Gasparian

September 14, 2009

Dear Griffin Family, We would like to extend our most deepest sympathy at this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Meador Family

September 14, 2009

Dear Griffin Family,
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Szulczewski Family

September 13, 2009

Dear Marge, John, and family,
May God keep you in the palm of His hand and bless you all with His love.
You will remain in our prayers

Jim & Char Kelly

September 13, 2009

Dear Griffin Family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Jim & Sue Hahn

September 13, 2009

Dear Griffin Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
~Elizabeth
(Kathy Klyczek's daughter)

September 13, 2009

Dear Griffin Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Peter & Therese Caruso

Therese Caruso

September 13, 2009

Dear Griffin Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you everyday as you go through this terrible time. When we think of Jimmy we think of his St. Bede days, his great athleticism, and how great of a leader he was. Our community truly lost a great person. Our hearts are forever with your family.

Love,
Mary Kate Love and Beth Vana

Mary Kate Love

September 13, 2009

I'm so truly sorry that such a wonderful family has to endure so heartbreaking a loss. I know there are no words that will make this time any easier but please know that my heart aches for you and I will keep you in my prayers. And although it may not be as comforting as having Jimmy here with you, don't ever think that he is gone. You now have a very special guardian angel watching over you. Take care of each other and know that he will not be forgotten.

Sheila Prendergast (Haran)

September 13, 2009

Dear Griffin Family-
Words can never express how we feel when one of our shining stars who always burned so bright is taken. There is some consolation in knowing that his achievements and life were surrounded by a strong love and supportive clan who will keep his memory and spirit alive through their actions and love they pass on to the following generations of proud Irish Americans.
With much pride and love.

Potts Family

September 13, 2009

Dear Griffin Family, My son was on a football recruiting visit yesterday when Coach Sullivan shared your loss. It was obvious to us as a stranger your son was an amazing young man and made a difference in many people's lives during his brief time on earth. I haven't been able to get this off my mind and I wanted to let you know that even though you don't know us, our family will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Joe and Joanne Jackson

September 13, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Anne (Westlove) & Roger Roussell

September 13, 2009

Dear Griffin Family,
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this diffucult time. May you find the strength to remember all the great times and he was a wonderful mand and athlete and no one can take that away. Love to all, Kelly McElhaney

Kelly McElhaney

September 13, 2009

Dear Griffin Family, Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your entire family. We are so sorry for your loss.

Malkowski Family

September 13, 2009

Dear Marge,John,Meg and John,

No words can express the sorrow we feel for your horrific loss. I pray to God that time will help heal your pain. I will remember your son/brother Jimmy by his "award winning smile and those pair of legs that never seem to end". May God give all of you the strength to go forth from this day on. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Liz Dowling & Family

September 13, 2009

Dear Mrs. Gardner(Griffin) and Family,
Words cannot express how sorry i am for your loss. My deepest sympathies. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers constantly. Although it is little consolation, Jim is with God now and in good hands and the thing that can give you hope is knowing you will see him again someday. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers in the difficult time ahead.

Love,
Kelly Lydon

Kelly Lydon

September 13, 2009

Dear Griffin Family:

With sincere sympathy on the loss of your dear son and brother. I will always remember how funny and how great of an athlete Jim was. It will be a great loss to us all. I was a classmate of Jim's for 4 years at Marist, Class of 2005.

Matthew Rapp

September 12, 2009

Griffin Family, Words can't explain the sorrow we feel at this time. You and yours are in our thoughts and prayers.

Bob & Eileen Rafferty Family

September 12, 2009

Dear Griffin Family, Jim was a classmate of mine from St. Bedes that I will always remember. I shared many laughs and great times with Jim during my grammar school years. I will remember him as a truly genuine person and great friend. It is hard for me to see such a great person pass. My deepest condolences go out to the entire Griffin Family.

Ray Kinczyk

September 12, 2009

Dear Griffins,

I am Kathy Klyczek's daughter and I also went on Kairos (K-75) with Mrs. Gardner. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. I will keep your entire family in my thoughts and prayers.

Emily Klyczek

September 12, 2009

Dear Marge, John, and family:

We are incredibly sorry for your loss of Jimmy. He was a wonderful young man from a terrific family. We are numbed by your loss and cannot imagine your pain and suffering. We are keeping you in our daily prayers and you are in our thoughts day and night. God bless you. Jack and Margie Love

Margie Love

September 12, 2009

Dear Marge, John, and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of this terrible loss - my Steve emailed me while I was away. Randy and I want you to know you are in our prayers. It is small consolation, but Jimmy is in a wonderful place now.

Karen Jefferies

September 12, 2009

Dear Griffin Family,
Jim was a classmate of mine for our four years at Marist and was a very nice, funny, and committed athlete. I cannot begin to express how sorry I am for your family, he was a great classmate to have and a great person to get to know, my deepest condolences to the entire Griffin family and everyone who knew him.

Brian Mueller

September 11, 2009

Dear John and Family, It is with saddened hearts we offer our condolences to you upon the loss of Jim. May God give you the strength to go through the next few days and the months and years to come. My husband and I ask The Lord to " hold Jim in the palm of His Hands until we all meet him again". Mary Lu and Ted Sweeney ( My mom was a friend of Sarah's from St. Sabina and I am a friend of "Deals" from Sabina ,also best friends with Pat Griffin Greenawalt since we were three years old. Mary Lu Sweeney) So sorry!

Mary Lu & Ted Sweeney

September 11, 2009

John, Marge, Meg, Greg and John:

We will miss Jimmy. I will forever cherish the memories of him growing up into the wonderful young man he became. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

John Patrick Griffin & Family
Denver, CO.

September 11, 2009

Dear John, Marge, Meg and John,
Heaven must have been short of a fifth man on their basketball squad. Since Jim was also a top quality individual, son, brother and friend he must have been heaven's 1st round draft choice. Our prayers and condolences are for you at this time of great loss. God bless you and help you through your sorrows.
John, Carol and all of the Green Bay Raffertys

John Rafferty

September 11, 2009

Marge, John, Meg and John,

Words cannot express how we feel. We are all saddened by the sudden loss of such a wonderful young man. You know you are in our thoughts and prayers and I know as you do Marge that your dad was waiting for Jim with open arms. All of our prayers and love.

Kate, Pat, Mike and Brian Walsh

September 11, 2009

Mrs. Griffin:

I am so sorry for your loss. Abby was so sad when she came home from school and kept asking why? How do you explain that to a 7 year old, let alone anyone. God works in mysterious ways and for some reason he called your son all too soon, just find comfort that he is in God's hands now, looking over you and your family. You are in my heart and prayers during this hard time.

Katie Matula/Abby Brixie

katie matula

September 11, 2009

Dear Griffin Family,
There are no words....my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Sambol (Andy King's aunt)..Omaha, NE

September 11, 2009

We're so very sorry for your loss and hope that happy memories will help dull the pain over time. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Gail and Daniel Ferek

September 11, 2009

Dear John, Marge, Meg, and John,
Words cannot begin to express what we feel in our hearts. Your wonderful family is in our daily thoughts and prayers. May God give you strength as he embraces your wonderful son in his loving arms.
Love,
Butch and Mary Lou DiNovo

September 11, 2009

John, Marge, Megan, and John
We were so sorry to hear of the sudden tragic loss of your son/brother. Our Heartfelt Sympathy to all of you during this sad time.

Patti Dazzo

September 11, 2009

I had classes with Jim all four years at Marist. He was a kind person to all he came into contact with and always worked hard. My condolences to his family and friends.

Dan Namoff

September 11, 2009

Dear John & Marge,
The entire Potts' family send their love to you. You are in our prayers and thoughts. What a fine young man.

Roberta Ahern Potts

September 11, 2009

Dear Marge, John and family, my deepest
sympathy is with you and your families
at this sad time. I was so hoping it
wasn't your Jimmy, Heaven must really
be a special place for God to take such
a wonderful young man. You're in my
thoughts and prayers.

Kitty Rafferty

Kitty Rafferty

September 11, 2009

Dear Marge, John, Meg and Johnny,

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very, very sad time. Please know that you are loved by so many.

Dave and Terri Barrett

Terri Barrett

September 11, 2009

To the Griffin Family:
Our deepest sympathy. James and the entire Griffin Family will be in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Andy & Roseann
Christophersen

Andrew Christophersen

September 11, 2009

To the entire Griffin and Downs families my deapest and heartfelt sympathies during this painful and unexplainable loss.Jimmy was an amazing young man.Griff embraced the chicago irish-catholic southside he strongly epitomized.He was proud of his family,friends and faith! Jimmy was an exceptional basketball player and an even greater person that all of us should emulate.May God Bless his soul and comfort his family & friends who are grieving. Kevin Healy(Chicago)

September 11, 2009

Mrs. Griffin...There are no words to comfort you at this time. I am very sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you and your family...

love
eileen odonovan

eileen odonovan

September 11, 2009

My sincere condolences to you all.
May the knowledge of his being loved by so many help you through this very difficult time. You are all in my prayers.

Patricia Hayes

September 11, 2009

For some moments in life there are no words

Our deepest condolences
Our prayers are with your family

The McPhillips Family

September 11, 2009

Griffin Family,

My deepest sympathy at this very sad time. You are all in my prayers.

(Grandmother of Sean Murphy, friend and Marist basketball player with Jimmy).

Maureen Fleckenstein

September 11, 2009

I am very sorry for your loss. Jimmy and the Griffin/Downs Family & Friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

Praying for friends to comfort you, faith to uphold you, and loving memories to help you smile again.

Kiara Moore

September 11, 2009

Our prayers are with you and your family. He will be missed by all.
The Charlie Smith Family

Debbie Smith

September 11, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. I remember the boys running around dance practices and always being polite, kind bundles of energy. You will be in my thoughts.

Kate Shaughnessy

September 11, 2009

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