James M. Griffin

JAMES MONROE GRIFFIN, affectionately known as “Jim” was our greatest example of loyalty to family, service to mankind, and love. He was born on March 11, 1932 to Rose and Richard Griffin in Baltimore, Maryland. Jim’s ultimate purpose in life unfolded clearly as he made a commitment of service and unselfishly extended compassion and support to others in every aspect of his life. Jim, a family man, entrepreneur, and advocate for social justice and human rights, gave invaluable service to the Civil Rights Movement and to the Baltimore community. He prided himself on living a healthy lifestyle and actively loved playing tennis well into his 80’s. He also enjoyed watching tennis matches – especially the Williams sisters. Jim’s example of unconditional love and service to others has been mirrored by his children. His son, Malcolm assumed the role as his primary caregiver dedicated to looking after and nurturing him at their home daily until he was reunited with his Queen on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023. Never Forgetting Where He Came From, Jim’s life was shaped by his humble beginnings as a high school athlete, often competing with his youngest brother Lawrence in football and track. His athleticism earned him a football and track scholarship to attend college at Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) in North Carolina. This changed the trajectory of his life as he otherwise would not have been able to afford college. Not taking college seriously at first caused him to get expelled and having been faced with racial discrimination challenges during many facets of his life (including when he was drafted to the U.S. Army) sparked a renewed personal determination to excel and succeed. After pleading with the JCSU Dean on numerous occasions to enroll him back in college, he was given a second chance. From that turning point on, he buckled down. He persevered in college and graduated with a double major in General Science and Physical Education. Jim received a Master’s Degree from Medical College of Virginia,now VCU in Rehabilitation Counseling and later received a Bachelor’s Degree at Boston University, in Physical Therapy. Cherishing Love & Family, Jim married his soulmate, Cardrienne, on June 21, 1958 at Bethel A.M.E. Church. Throughout 60 years of marriage, they were the perfect match, making a difference in the community as part of many civic and social affiliations. He dedicated his life, along with his wife by his side, to making improvements in various facets of society whenever there was unfairness or inequitable treatment observed. At a young age, Jim began his quest as an advocate for equal rights in housing, employment, public accommodations, and education. He served as President of the Baltimore Chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) 1963-1968. In 1968, Jim, along with his wife, Cardrienne, had the vision to start Women Behind CORE which was later changed to Women Behind the Community (WO-BE-CO), Inc. a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to empowering women, children, and families in the Baltimore community. WO-BE-CO has operated continuously for 55+ years and its legacy is being continued under the leadership of his daughters. Giving Back to the Community, Jim was appointed to the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners in 1968- 1974. As Chairman, he demanded that African Americans be recognized and promoted to higher positions and be treated equal. He served briefly as the first African American Vice President and President of the Baltimore City School Board. He was appointed by the Mayor at that time to the Baltimore Model City Board and by former Governor Spiro Agnew as an Equal Opportunity Specialist. Jim founded Griffin Associates, P.A. becoming the first African American in the state of Maryland with a private Physical Therapy practice. He was in private practice for 25 years and managed 4 locations with his wife, oldest daughter, Cheryl who is also a physical therapist and niece, Michele, a physical therapist assistant. He mentored and financed the education of countless PT students, encouraging them in their academic and professional pursuits. He was one of the founders of the American Academy of Physical Therapy which is an organization for minority therapists. Over the years, Jim pursued many other business ventures which included, real estate, selling dolls, car bar and a barbecue restaurant. Embodying the Omega Man Principles, As a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, Pi Omega Chapter, Jim passionately served on the Social Action Committee. Under his tenure as Chairman, in 1986, he helped establish the Principle Achievers Mentoring Program. The program provided mentoring and experiences for African American males from ages 8 to 18. Under his leadership, he received the following awards: Superior Service Award,Bridge Builders, Founders Award, and Omega Man of the Year from 1987-2001. Jim and his wife Cardrienne coordinated tours to Historically Black Colleges and Universities for students in the Baltimore Metropolitan Community. Jim served as a member of the Sojourner-Douglass Board of Directors (for over twenty years); on the Advisory Boards of Walbrook High School and Epsilon Omega Foundation, an affiliate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and served as President and Vice President of the Fairmount Neighborhood Association for many years. He was inducted into the Dunbar High School and Johnson C. Smith University Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to the community. After his first retirement, he started working for P.B. Health Home Care Agency where he worked part-time for 18 years. His Book, His Way, Jim achieved his goal of leaving his footprint and legacy by releasing his autobiography, “Lessons Learned Through the Power of My Journey” in 2021 to share his life-long experiences as a family man, civic rights activist, entrepreneur and a vessel to help others. Jim hoped by writing and sharing various facets of his journey that his family and younger generations of readers would learn from his lessons to instill dedication, service and perseverance. Jim’s Greatest Treasures, Though his accomplishments were numerous, he was especially proud of being a devoted husband to his late wife (Cardrienne) for 60 years, father “extraordinaire” to four children: Cheryl Griffin-Threatt (Jay Sr.), the late Debra Shannon (Dean), Jewel Linzey and Malcolm Griffin; loving “Pop Pop” to eight grands: Jay Jr. and Jarvis Threatt, Jamal and Jada Shannon, Jasmine, Dominique and Sean Griffin, Coral Linzey; three greatgrands: Riley Shannon, Jeremiah and Jace Threatt. He was preceded in death by five of his siblings: Richard Griffin (Sue deceased), Katherine Blake ( Larry deceased), Elizabeth Fulwood, Gladys Russell, and Ersell Griffin. His memories will be forever cherished by his brother Lawrence Griffin and sister Viola Griffin; He was a role model for his nephews: Kevin Davidson (Mary), Roy (deceased), Ricky, Gregory, Alton Russell (Elaine), the late Reginald Russell (Brenda), Jerryl Brown (Gisele), Garry Brown (Patricia), Gregory Brown, Sr. (Patricia); nieces: Betty, the late Brenda, Denise, Jackie, Laferne Johnson (Alan), Sandra Corporal, Robbin Brown, Godchild Michele Burley (Ronald); several adopted children especially: Chanel Mosby and Larry Young; devoted friends: Charles Robinson, William Garrett and Carlton Gordon, and a host of great nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Dad, Pop Pop, Uncle Jimmy, Mr. Jim, Griff, thanks for sharing many lessons with us that will guide our lives forever. You did it your way and we’ll be loving you always!

Tributes

James M. Griffin

March 11, 1932 - May 14, 2023