Info Sheet/Obit - Jeffery "Jeff" Thomas Griffin
Died 13 January 2021
12 May 1943 to 13 January 2021
Obituary
Jeffery Thomas Griffin, 77, passed away on January 13, 2021 in Houston, Texas. Jeff was born in Three Rivers, Michigan on May 12, 1943 to Mary (Blass) Griffin and adopted by Woodard Griffin.
Jeff thrived in the military where he would discover his bravery as a gifted helicopter pilot. His dedication to his career, would have his family live in Germany, Michigan, Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Ohio, and Louisiana.
Jeff served in the military for 20 years retiring as Chief Warrant Officer 3. He showed extreme bravery in duty by serving two (2) tours in the Vietnam War. When Jeff retired into civilian life, he worked for PHI, flying in the oil industry. He logged over 16,000 flight hours with PHI out of Galveston, New Orleans, Columbus Ohio (SkyMed) and at Hainan Island, China mostly operating the S-76, a mid-sized helicopter. His call signs were White II and Centaur 50. He was a life member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (VHPA).
Jeff was stationed in Germany in 1965. He married the love of his life Karin Herdwig. They were happily married for 55 years. One of Jeff’s greatest joys was spending time with his three daughters, three sons-in-law, and eight grandchildren. After many travels and movements typical of military life, the family settled in Spring, Texas, near Houston.
Jeff (aka Opa) has attended, and prayerfully supported, each sacramental baptism, first communion, confirmation for his family, and cheerfully attended countless birthday parties. He has played the “Monster in the Pool” and has attended youth sports events and dance recitals too numerous to count.
Jeff enjoyed golf and poker with close friends, wine club with good neighbors, walking Gabi, and listening to The Eagles. If you knew Jeff, you would remember his infectious laugh and how he smiled with his eyes.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Karin Griffin; daughters Nancy Kramer (husband Paul), Christine Townsend (husband Andrew), Jennifer Sanchez (husband Christopher); Granddaughters Alexis Kramer, Hannah Kramer, Madison Townsend, Caroline Sanchez, & Chloe Sanchez; and Grandsons John Paul Kramer, Jack Townsend, & Christopher Sanchez.