James R. "Jim" Griffis

SAUGERTIES.....James R. Griffis, 85, of Willow Lane, died Monday, September 5, 2023 at the Golden Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  Born October 24, 1937 in Hallstead, PA., he was the son of the late Jack and Jane Griffis. A Saugerties area resident for over 52 years, Jim was employed as an agent and later, sales manager with the Prudential Insurance Company of America for over 26 years.   He served as the Town of Saugerties Supervisor from 1994 to 2000 and was instrumental in the planning and success of Woodstock ’94.  Prior to joining Prudential, he was the Store Manager of A & P Markets in Susquehanna, PA and Roscoe, NY.  At the young age of 14 years, Jim earned the Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Award.  He was a member and past Captain of the United Fire Company in Montrose, PA.  Active in the community, Jim was a member and past president of the Saugerties Lions Club.  He was the Treasurer for the Saugerties Babe Ruth along with Co-Chairing the New York State Special Olympics 2000 Fall Games.  His favorite activities included hunting at the Rattle Hill Lodge in Lew Beach, NY and watching NASCAR racing.  He was a parishioner of St. Mary of the Snow Roman Catholic Church and a  former member of its Parish Council. 

A very special Thank You to all the nursing and CNA staff working at Golden Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center’s S2 Unit for the exceptional care and attention provided to Jim.

He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Barbara and his brother: Jack Griffis. Survivors include his son: James Griffis of Broomfield, CO; four daughters: Patty Griffis of Saugerties, Pam (David) Kaufman of Saugerties, Marlyn Griffis of Albany and Barbara (Tom) Houlihan of Loudonville; two sisters: Betty Brunges and Carol Peckins of Montrose, PA; five grandchildren: Jonathan, Stephanie and Stacie Kaufman, Michael Griffis and Anna Jane Griffis; two step-grandchildren: Dennis and Thomas Houlihan and several nieces and nephews.      

His Funeral Procession will form 9:15 AM Friday at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home, Inc. Cor. Of John & Lafayette Sts. Thence to St. Mary of the Snow, Saugerties, where at 10:00 AM, a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Friends will be received Thursday 2- 4 and 7-9 PM. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.  Family requests donations be made in memory of Jim to one of the following organizations: (1) Saugerties Baby Ruth, PO Box 606 Saugerties, NY 12477; (2) United Fire Company ATTN: Building Fund PO Box 286 Montrose, PA  18801 or (3) Saugerties Lions Club, PO Box 32, Saugerties, NY  12477.  Additional expressions of condolence may be shared on Jim’s Memorial Page at seamonwilseyfuneralhome.com.

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