James Q. Griffin ’55

Jimmy died June 2, 2015.

From a left hand-hitting first baseman who once placed a rabbit in classmate Goose Easton’s locker, Jimmy evolved into a revered husband, father, grandfather, farmer, sportsman, and friend to many.

He was born Aug. 23, 1932, in Lock Haven, Pa., to Helen Quigley and Donald Warner Griffin 1923. Jimmy graduated from the Gilman School and majored in history at Princeton.

He served as an Army captain, rose to vice president in the international division at Citibank, then joined the Metropolitan Museum of Art as treasurer and vice president for finance in 1979. Jimmy later joined Patterson, Belknap, Webb & Tyler as treasurer. After 35 years of commuting to New York for work, Jimmy took a job at the investment-advisory firm of Wilmerding, Miller & Co. in 1992.

Deeply committed to Ivy Club, Jimmy served as its graduate-board president from 1982 until his death. He and his wife, Barbara, lived on a sheep farm in Hopewell, N.J., where he was a passionate amateur stonemason. Widely known for his gracious manner, his work ethic, and his unwavering values, Jimmy was a rare person who inspired others to be better.

He is survived by Barbara; daughters Barbara ’82 *85, Cynthia ’86, and Sarah; son-in-law Chris Cole ’81; and nine grandchildren. Jimmy will be sorely missed by his family and class.