Bro. Jim C. Griffin

Jim C. Griffin (Bro. Jim) was born in Cherokee County on October 20, 1921 and peacefully entered Heaven’s gate on December 6, 2015 at the age of 94. He attended Gaylesville School and later Howard College. At age 18, he joined the CCC's in Fort Payne, Alabama, where he met Etta Carnes. They were married on June 16, 1940. They moved to Lupton City, Tennessee, where they both worked in the cotton mill there. Two daughters, Sue and Jimmie, were born to them in Fort Payne. While in Fort Payne, he worked at the Box Factory and later at the Coca-Cola plant. Bro. Jim was the local mail carrier for many years. In the mid 50's, he accepted God's calling into the ministry. His first pastorate was Minvale Baptist in Fort Payne. Other fulltime pastorates included Whites Chapel in Etowah County, Sylvania Baptist and Fyffe Baptist, both in DeKalb County, Sardis Baptist in Etowah County, and Broadway Baptist in DeKalb County. Later he served as Interim Pastor of Broadway and was named Pastor Emeritus of Broadway in 2008. He served as interim pastor for many churches in DeKalb, Cherokee, and Jackson Counties. Waiting to welcome him to Heaven was his beloved wife of 72 years, Etta. He was also preceded in death by his parents, J. L. and Maggie Griffin; his six siblings and their spouses; Etta’s parents, Homer and Alpha Carnes, her four siblings and their spouses; several nieces and nephews; and many much-loved friends. Surviving him are daughters Jimmie Davis and Sue Guffey (Larry): grandchildren: Andrew Guffey, Mary Beth Edger (Matt), Cary Guffey (Michelle), and Anthony Guffey (Allie Meghan); great-grandchildren: Ansley O'Beirne, Emma O'Beirne, Aidan O'Beirne, Summer Guffey, Patrick Guffey, Griffin Guffey, and Wren Guffey; special sister-in-law, Dot Carnes, along with numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great, great nieces and nephews including one year old triplets Judah, Salem, and Shiloh Griffin are left to carry on his legacy. A true man of God, he cherished his faith, family, and friends. Funny, humble, compassionate, self-disciplined (he still walked at least a mile six days a week), he was indeed a gentle giant, loved and revered by many. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of the following: Alabama Baptist Children's Homes, P.O. Box 361767, Birmingham, AL 35236-1767; NAMI Centre, 135 Bayview Lane, Centre, Alabama 35960; or First Baptist Centre Building Fund, 300 East Bypass, Centre, AL 35960. The family will receive friends Tuesday, December 8th from 4 to 8pm at Wilson Funeral Home, Fort Payne. A Celebration of his life service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Broadway Baptist Church in Rainsville with family and friends officiating. He will lie in state at the church Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. hour of service. Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Bro. Jim C. Griffin

October 20, 1921 - December 6, 2015