James Griffin

James Griffin - Claypool, Oklahoma James Franklin Griffin was born May 17, 1931 in Claypool, Oklahoma to Elbert and Lois Simons Griffin. He was born and lived almost his entire life in Claypool. He passed from this life April 13, 2014, in Lawton, Oklahoma.

He attended Cameron college before being drafted in the Army. He served his country for two years in Korea. He returned to Claypool after being discharged from the Army, to help his father run the ranch, raising white face cattle. He married Mary June Provines in Waurika, Oklahoma on November 18, 1955 and they right into the new home that had been built for them on Highway 70. To this union two sons were born - Jimmy and Johnny. James was active in the Cattleman's Association having a big part in the eradication program of screwworms in Jefferson County and Oklahoma. He was an original member of the Jaycees that was started in Waurika. They held the first rattlesnake hunt, that is currently being held as a fundraiser for the Waurika Fire Department. He has been an active director for 40 years in Marietta for Red River Valley Electric Company. He also served as an alternate and director for Western Farmers in Anadarko, Oklahoma for 30 years.

James was always involved in his sons' sports activities and then later in his grandchildren's activities. He was an avid sports fan and supported his sons and grandchildren in all sports. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Waurika serving as a deacon for many years. He is the third generation to ranch and farm in Claypool.

He will turn the reins over to his two sons - Jimmy Griffin and wife Carla of Duncan and Johnny Griffin and wife Rinda of Waurika. He is also survived by his wife June of the home in Waurika, four grandchildren - Ali Griffin of Keller, Texas, Jorinda Griffin of Oklahoma City, OK., Gil Griffin of Durant, OK., and Jared Griffin of El Reno, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents Elbert and Lois Griffin and aunt Hazel Marcus.

Memorial Service will be held Thursday, April 17, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in Waurika with Rev. Jeff McLemore officiating. Burial will be in the Waurika Cemetery under the direction of Dudley Funeral Home in Waurika. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1-8PM and Wednesday from 9AM-8PM with family receiving visitors from 5-7PM. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church.

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