James J. Griffin, Ph.D.

James J. Griffin, Ph.D., 86, of Charlestown, RI, passed away Monday, March 14, 2016. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Nancy (Knox) Griffin. Born in Medford, MA, the son of the late James J. and Margaret (White) Griffin, he spent his youth in Medford and graduated from Medford High School (1947) and Tufts University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering (1951). He then relocated to Northridge, CA from 1951 to 1970 where he was a pioneer in the aerospace industry as Program Manager of the Atlas-Thor/Delta Engine Systems at Rocketdyne Division, North American Rockwell Corporation. Ultimately he followed his passion for the ocean by moving the family to Rhode Island in 1971, where he earned his Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography (1979) at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography. Following his graduation from URI, he remained there as Director of Facilities, Graduate School of Oceanography until his retirement. Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Griffin of Boulder, CO, a son, Mark Griffin of Oaxaca, Mexico, and a grandson, Dylan Griffin of Oaxaca, Mexico. Jim enjoyed a life well lived. His funeral and burial will be private.