John “Jack” William Griffin, family man, entrepreneur, and resident of Ponte Vedra Beach, died on Saturday at the age of 85. Born on August 28, 1938, Jack was the son of the late Walter and Fern Griffin of North Branch, Michigan.
As the son of a farmer and English teacher, Jack worked hard as a boy, helping out on the family farm daily. Playing on the same team as his brother, he hit a homerun at the former Tiger Stadium (home of the Detroit Tigers), during a regional all-star game at the age of only 14. Jack met the love of his life, Carolyn, on a blind date in 1960 and the couple got married shortly thereafter. They had four children and were married for a remarkable 63 years.
Jack was an NCAA football aficionado and longtime supporter of his alma mater team, the Florida Gators. He graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1967. Throughout the 1960s, Jack was also known as an outstanding collegiate athlete in football and baseball.
A gifted entrepreneur, “He did anything he set his mind to,” Carolyn remembers of Jack. Indeed, Jack was well-known as a quick thinker and brilliant accountant. His proficiencies as owner and CEO of numerous businesses are evidenced by his success in the mobile home, tax, and check cashing industries, among others, and by his ability to adapt and prosper through decades of economic shifts.
Also known as “Dad,” “Grandpa,” “Poppy,” “Uncle Jack,” and “Mr. Griffin,” depending on the person, perhaps Jack’s greatest legacy lies in his commitment to taking care of his family and looking after his community. Over his career, Jack created countless jobs, often in rural communities that desperately needed them. To those who knew him best and loved him most, Jack was always there to offer no-nonsense advice and lend support, even when things got tough. He was especially passionate about higher education. In 2009, Jack and Carolyn established a four-year scholarship program for underprivileged youth in his hometown of North Branch that continues today.
Jack is survived by his wife Carolyn, brother Charles (Carolyn), son Stephen (Renee), grandchildren Luci, Casey, West (Rachida), Alexandria (Jason), Steven, Alexander, Traci, Kevin, Victoria, Nicholas, and 10 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 9 from 6-8pm at Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Preceded by visitation (from 11am-noon), services will be held on Wednesday, July 10 at 12pm at Advent Christian Church in Lulu, Florida. A gravesite ceremony will follow.
