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June 3, 2001

Obituaries

THOMPSONVILLE - Jack Francis Griffin, 56, of Thompsonville, died on Friday at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.
      He was born on June 25, 1944, in Frankfort, the son of R.T. Francis and Beth Evelyn (Mills) Griffin. On Sept. 11, 1965, at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., Jack married the former Carolyn Mae Croker, who survives.
      A Veteran of Vietnam, Jack had served his country for over twenty years in the United States Army, until his retirement in 1983. For his efforts in Vietnam and during his time of service, he earned the Meritorious Service Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal (6th award), the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, the Drivers Badge, the Basic Missileman Badge and the M-16 Expert Badge. Jack was a member of the Disabled American Veterans; and a past member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. After retiring from the Army, Jack went to work at Tower Automotive in Traverse City, as press operator, where he was currently employed. In his spare time, Jack was an avid golfer and fisherman and he also enjoyed hunting. Most of all, Jack loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
      In addition to his wife, Carolyn Griffin, he is also survived by his mother, Beth Evelyn Griffin of Copemish; two sons, Jack Francis (Michele) Griffin II of Flowery Branch, Ga. and William R.T. Griffin of Thompsonville; two grandchildren, Jack Douglas Griffin and Lauryn Joy Griffin; his brothers, Robert (Cathy) Griffin of Traverse City, William (Carol) Griffin of Shepherd; his identical twin-brother, James John (Cindy) Griffin of Benzonia; and numerous nieces and nephews.
      Jack was preceded in death by his father, R.T. Francis Griffin in 1985.
      Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the First Congregational Church in Thompsonville, with Rev. Richard C. Stoddard officiating. Interment will be in Thompsonville Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Terwilliger Funeral Home in Kaleva.