James Ambler Griffin, 74, of Advance, died on Thursday, April 20, 2017, at his home, surrounded by and in the care of his family.

He is survived by his bride of almost 53 years, Patsy Matthews Griffin. They raised three children with a legacy of loyalty, honesty, and strength: son, Jim Griffin and wife Jenn of Norman, Ind.; son, David Griffin and wife Shannon of Advance; daughter, Susan Fishel and husband Craig of Bermuda Run. Also surviving: 12 grandchildren, Jamie, Jessica, Violet, and Sammy Griffin; Katherine, Anna, Madison, and Dawson Griffin; and Eden, Cecily, David, and Peyton Fishel; a greatgrandchild, Greyson Griffin, born in 2016; sisters, Nell Davenport, Marjorie Ramsey, Rebecca Pittman, and husband Jerry, all of Rocky Mount, Ruth Williams of Boone, Faye Morgan of Olive Branch, Miss. and Charlotte Ahalt and husband To, of Berryville, Va.; sister-in-law, Dorothy Griffin of Baltimore, Md. and Martha Underwood of Memphis, Tenn.; in-laws, Jimmy and Raye Matthews and Marshall and Joanne (deceased) Baines, all of Nashville, N.C., P.J. and Barbara Faulkner of Louisburg, and Sammy and Lib Matthews of Knightdale.   

He was blessed with a large, loving family and considered a blessing among those who called him brother.

He was also predeceased by brothers, Dick Griffin, Bill Griffin, and Johnny Griffin, as well as brothers-in-law Calvin Davenport, Tommy Morgan, Charles Ramsey, and Robert Williams, and sister-in-law, Catherine Griffin.

Born in Rocky Mount on July 16, 1942 to R. Taswell Griffin Jr. and Fidelia Overton Griffin, he was raised the ninth of 10 children on a dairy farm. He attended Benvenue elementary and high schools, graduating from Oak Ridge Military Academy in 1960. He was an alumnus of North Carolina State University, where he earned his degree in mechanical engineering in 1969. Thereafter, he moved to Winston-Salem, with his new bride to begin a career at Bahnson Corp. He ended his career at HanesBrands Inc, retiring after more than three decades. He was of the Baptist faith, serving as an ordained deacon at New Friendship Baptist Church through the 1970s and 1980s. For the past 18 years he and his wife have called Green Meadows Baptist Church home, where they have treasured the fellowship and prayers of friends turned family.

The family received visitors from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Saturday, April 22 at Green Meadows. A funeral service followed at noon.

Memorials: Green Meadows Baptist, 1646 NC 801N., Mocksville; Jimmy V Foundation, www.jimmyv.org; Taswell and Fidelia Overton Endowed Scholarship Fund, NC Wesleyan College, trobinson@ncwc.edu.

Condolences: www.hayworth-miller.com.