James Douglas Griffith, 78, of Petersburg passed away on Friday, September 4, 2020 at his residence. He was born on June 17, 1942 in Petersburg to Shirley and Elsie Griffith. He married Dessie Mae Bruce on June 11, 1962. Although they were divorced after 32 years, their love for each other was undeniable and they shared an eternal bond,. Jim was a coal miner at Old Ben 1 as a shovel/drag line operator for over 25 years and then retired from there. Jim was the President of Local 5179 for many, many years, and he had a strong belief in the union and the men and women of the UMWA.. Jim was dedicated to helping them in any way he could. Jim was owner/operator of Jim’s Gun Shop for many years as well. . Over the years, Jim held memberships at the Moose Lodge #1617 of Petersburg, VFW of Petersburg, American Legion of Winslow, and the Eagles of Winslow.
Throughout Jim’s life he enjoyed fishing, hunting, spending time with friends and family, and attending union events throughout Indiana.
He is survived by his three daughters: Allison L. Bell of Illinois, Christina A. Scales of Petersburg, Jodie Dawn Faith (Tony) of Evansville; a sister, Connie Houchins (Bill) of Holland, Pennsylvania; many nieces and nephews; 13 grandchildren: Michael Bell (Misty) of Petersburg, Libby Shelton (Kale) of Evansville, Josie Bell of Evansville, William (BJ) Scales (Brittany) of Jasper, Justin Eaton (Jayde) of Bowman, Chase Eaton (Maura) of Evansville. Samantha Dawn Huntsman, Trevor Ray Huntsman, Natalie Faith and Johnny Faith all of Evansville, and William Faith of Spurgeon, Anthony Faith and Chelsea Mills (Kyle) both of Petersburg, and 13 great grandchildren.
His parents, and Dessie all preceded him in death.
Visitation will be Wednesday, September 9, 2020 from 11am to 2pm EST at Harris Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at 2:30pm EST at Walnut Hills Cemetery in Petersburg, IN. Masks are required at the funeral home due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Online condolences may be made at odharrisfuneralhome.com
