James Ambler Griffin

Mr. James Ambler Griffin, 74, of Advance, NC, passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2017, at his home, surrounded by and in the loving care of his family. Jimmy is survived by his beloved bride of almost 53 years, Patsy Matthews Griffin. Together they raised three children with a legacy of loyalty, honesty, and strength: son, Jim Griffin and his wife, Jenn, of Norman, IN; son, David Griffin and his wife, Shannon, of Advance, NC; daughter, Susan Fishel, and her husband, Craig, of Bermuda Run, NC. He leaves to cherish his memory 12 grandchildren: Jamie, Jessica, Violet, and Sammy Griffin; Katherine, Anna, Madison, and Dawson Griffin; and Eden, Cecily, David, and Peyton Fishel. He delighted in the birth of a greatgrandchild, Greyson Griffin, born in 2016. Jimmy was immeasurably blessed with a large, loving family and considered a blessing among those who called him brother. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Dick Griffin, Bill Griffin, and Johnny Griffin, as well as brothers-in-law Calvin Davenport, Tommy Morgan, Charles Ramsey, and Robert Williams, and sister-in-law, Catherine Griffin. He is survived by his doting and treasured sisters: Nell Davenport, Marjorie Ramsey, Rebecca Pittman, and husband, Jerry, all of Rocky Mount, NC; Ruth Williams of Boone, NC; Faye Morgan of Olive Branch, MS, and Charlotte Ahalt, and husband, Tom, of Berryville, VA. He is also survived by sister-in-law Dorothy Griffin of Baltimore, MD and Martha Underwood of Memphis, TN. He shared countless laughs and memories with his extended family of in-laws: Jimmy and Raye Matthews and Marshall and Joanne, (deceased), Baines, all of Nashville, NC; P.J. and Barbara Faulkner of Louisburg, NC; and Sammy and Lib Matthews of Knightdale, NC. Born in Rocky Mount, NC on July 16, 1942, to R. Taswell Griffin Jr. and Fidelia Overton Griffin, he was raised the ninth of ten children on a dairy farm. He attended Benvenue Elementary and High Schools, graduating from Oak Ridge Military Academy in 1960. Jimmy was a proud alumnus of North Carolina State University - ""Go Wolfpack!"" - where he earned his degree in mechanical engineering in 1969. Thereafter, he moved to Winston-Salem, NC, with his new bride to begin a career at Bahnson Corp. He ended his career at HanesBrands Inc, retiring after more than three decades of service. Jimmy was of the Baptist faith, serving as an ordained deacon at New Friendship Baptist Church through the 1970's and 1980's. For the past 18 years he and his wife have called Green Meadows Baptist Church home, where they have treasured the fellowship and prayers of friends turned family. The family will receive visitors from 10:30 until 11:45 A.M. Saturday April 22,2017 at Green Meadows Baptist Church, 1646 Highway 801 North, Mocksville, NC 27028. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 noon. Our family is grateful for the love and support from our friends, neighbors, extended families, and church. We offer a special thanksgiving for Pastor Josh Greene of Green Meadows Baptist Church, Dr. Glenn Lessor, Alysha DeTroye, PA and staff of WFBMC Cancer Center, and the nurses/angels of Hospice and Palliative Care Centers of Winston-Salem/Davie. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the following causes Jimmy held dear to his heart: Green Meadows Baptist Church, 1646 Hwy 801N, Mocksville, NC; Jimmy V Foundation - www.jimmyv.org; Taswell and Fidelia Overton Endowed Scholarship Fund, NC Wesleyan College, trobinson@ncwc.edu. Online condolences may be made to www.hayworth-miller.com (Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel)

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