NATICK: James Griffin, age 55, a man of many gifts, died peacefully at his Natick home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday morning, November 12, 2014. He was the devoted husband of Joanne (Maraggio) Griffin for the past 26 years.
A lifelong Natick resident, Jim was a son of the late Frederick and Enid Eileen (Flynn)
Griffin. He was a graduate of Natick High School, after which he plied himself to a number of trades in search of the right fit. Among these were auto mechanics, welding, deep-sea diving instruction, and carpentry. The result of his endeavors was that he became a multitalented man who made use of his various skills throughout his life.
Jim and Joanne married in 1988, purchased his family home from his parents, and settled down to raise a family. He had earned his CDL license while working in auto repair and decided to apply for employment with UPS. Jim was to have a happy 27-year career with UPS.
To try to encapsulate Jim’s personality on this page would be beyond our ability, but first and foremost he was a loving family man and a steadfast and ever helpful friend. Jim’s sense of humor was such that his CB call sign was “Joker” and he was known for regaling coworkers with stories, jokes, and “Griffinisms.” He enjoyed making things for family and friends, often designing whatever it was to fit a particular need. It could be anything from the famous rope swings in the back yard, to an underwater scooter. He usually had an original project he was thinking through or working on.
Family vacations and available weekends were spent on family property in Maine where Jim could be found swimming, hiking, fishing, sailing, and iceboating in winter on a boat he created. His vibrant and magnetic personality may have been dimmed by an accident at home which after a long struggle cut his life short, but his memory will burn brightly in the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to have known him.
He is survived by Joanne; their three daughters, Heather M. Griffin, Catherine E. Griffin, and Elizabeth A. Griffin; his sibling, Thomas Griffin and wife Cris of Northbridge, Patricia Griffin of Natick, Paul Griffin and wife Maria of Framingham, and Paula Gould and husband Jamie of Natick; his parents-in-law, Donald and Ellen (Murphy) Maraggio of South Yarmouth; his brothers-in-law, James Maraggio and wife Bev of Millis, Robert Maraggio and wife Holly of Millis, Thomas Maraggio and wife Robin of Sidney, ME, Donald Maraggio of Millis, and John Maraggio and wife Wendy of Douglas; and his many nieces and nephews, Jamie, Shawn and his wife Misty, Steven, Dan, Lisa and her husband Romel, Paula and her husband Luigi, Rich, Abby, John, and Joseph; his grandnieces and nephews, Tommy, Alex, Zack, Kamryn, Victoria, Isabella, Jacob, and Rosalie; many cousins, friends, and the members of his UPS family.
His Funeral will be from the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common, on Monday, Nov. 17th at 8:00AM with a Mass of Christian Burial in Saint Bridget's Church, 830 Worcester Road (Rte 9), Framingham, at 9:00AM. Interment will follow at Saint Patrick’s Cemetery, Natick.
Visiting hours will be on Sunday 2 - 5PM. A complete obituary will follow on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Bridget’s Parish, 830 Worcester Road, Framingham 01702. All gifts will benefit the Parish’s Help a Student Fund.