James Howard Griffin

James Howard Griffin, 90, of Blountstown, Florida, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Friday, June 5, 2026. Born November 25, 1935, in Blountstown, James was the son of Louise Kent Griffin and Bud Griffin. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clarence Griffin and Woodrow Griffin; and sister, Carolyn Finch.

James is survived by his wife of more than 71 years, Elizabeth "Libby" Bailey Griffin; daughters, Debbie Stephens of Blountstown and Lisa Walden (Wayne) of Blountstown; grandson, Jamie Stephens of Blountstown; granddaughter, Kelli Walden Adkison (Mason); grandson, Benjamin Walden (Chad Phillips); great-grandson, Lincoln Adkison; sisters, Bulah Moran (Wilbur) of Bristol, Zelma Smith of Crawfordville, and Alice Elmore (Bobby) of Lake Talquin; sister-in-law, Gretchen Griffin of Blountstown; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and special friends.

James and Libby began their life together on May 2, 1955, and spent more than seven decades building a family, a business, and a life they could be proud of. They were partners from the beginning, working side by side through the successes and challenges that came their way.

His work ethic became evident early. At just 12 years old, he was sweeping floors at Tucker Chevrolet. He started a sand company. He spent his days at the station and many evenings they both loaded sand into a dump truck by hand to make deliveries after closing time.

Over time, Foster Mason came to admire James's determination, work ethic, and business sense. In the early 1970s, he approached James with an opportunity to purchase his concrete company. The arrangement was built on trust. James would take over the operation and begin paying Mason as the business succeeded. From that opportunity, Griffin Sand & Concrete was born.

What started as a small operation grew into a respected family business with locations serving Calhoun, Jackson, and Gulf counties. It was truly a family affair. Libby, Debbie, Dewey, Lisa, Wayne, Jamie, Kelli, and Benjamin all worked alongside James at different times through the years. James knew sand, concrete, trucks, equipment, and construction as well as anyone around, and there is no way to measure the amount of concrete his company poured across Northwest Florida. Roads, homes, schools, businesses, bridges, and public projects throughout the region bear the mark of work he helped put in place. One of his final major projects before retirement was work on the Trammell Bridge.

James also dedicated much of his life to public service. He served on the Blountstown City Council for a total of 42 years, from 1971 to 1999 and again from 2011 to 2023. During those years, he helped guide many of the decisions that shaped the growth and development of the community he loved. He believed in careful stewardship of public resources, planning for the future, and making sure Blountstown was prepared for whatever tomorrow might bring. His practical approach, business sense, and commitment to the community helped leave the city on solid footing for future generations.

While he was proud of his work and service, family remained at the center of his life. Known as "Papa" and "Big Papa," he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandson. He loved to fish and treasured the years he and Libby spent at their home in Lake Panasoffkee, a place filled with family, friendships, and many of his happiest memories.

James was a devoted Florida Gator fan who enjoyed traveling with close friends Roy and Montez Golden and had a gift for turning acquaintances into friends. Known to many as Uncle James, he genuinely enjoyed people and never met many strangers who stayed strangers for long.

A longtime Christian, James was a member of Blountstown Church of the Nazarene and in later years attended Blountstown United Methodist Church.

Those who knew James knew he was hardworking, determined, and sometimes stubborn. He grew up with very little, worked hard for everything he had, and never forgot the value of a dollar or the importance of keeping his word. He took great pride in his family, his work, and the community he called home.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 8, 2026, at Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Blountstown beginning at 1:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m.

Flowers will be accepted, but the family requests that memorial donations be made in James's honor to a charity of your choice.

As James often said, "Glad you got to see me."