John R. Griffith Obituary
A service in witness to John's life will be held on Friday, April 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Westwood United Methodist Church, 538 Nichols Rd. Kalamazoo. Friends may call on the family on Thursday evening, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, and one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church. John will be laid to rest in a private graveside service at Ft. Custer National Cemetery with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be given to Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes or the charity of one's choice, in c/o the funeral home.
Age 76, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. John was born in Kalamazoo on June 11, 1946, the son of Elwood Boyer and Kathryn Lois (Moler) Griffith. On August 10, 1978, he married Ellen Parker, who survives him. John proudly served his nation in the United States Air Force. For many years he had a career as a banker in West Michigan. In his retirement, John volunteered for the Sleeping Bear Dunes Restoration project. He was also a volunteer with Kairos Dwelling. John was a member of Kalamazoo Corvette Club and was active in several Rotary clubs. He was an active bowler, golfer and enjoyed playing softball. Besides his wife, John is survived by his daughter, Kathryn Griffith of Pinehurst, NC; sister, Alyce Oosting; in-laws, Phillip (Diane) Parker and Ronald (Deborah) Parker; former brother-in-law, Paul Oosting; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother-in-law, Robert Parker.
