James Wheeler Griffith, 80, left this world on Friday, December 6, 2024. He was born on August 9, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee where he lived until moving to Horn Lake, Mississippi in 1975.

Called "Porky" by all who knew him, he spent thirty years in the printing industry as a pressman before making the leap into self-employment in 1996. With just one truck, a used rollback, he formed Griffith Towing. His tireless work ethic and financial savvy served him well as he grew his business over the next sixteen years. One truck turned into multiple light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks. A one-man show turned into a thriving family business, including both his sons, with numerous employees and countless customers. Those years spent working side by side with each other were a treasure to both father and sons. Many long days and sleepless nights later, he retired to Hernando.

For Porky, everything revolved around his family. From riding dune buggies and motorcycles at Pickwick or the steam plant to drag racing at Byhalia, they were together making many happy memories. He loved cars and could fix or fabricate just about anything. From a very young age, he taught his sons how to work on their own motorcycles and later, their own vehicles, sharing his mechanical knowledge and leading by example. His hard work, service, and sacrifice were surpassed only by his love for his family. He especially loved his role as Paw Paw, and each of his grandchildren held a special place in his heart.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carole Sue Kennedy Griffith, sons James Duane Griffith (Amy) and John Scott Griffith (Lea), and his beloved grandchildren, Heath, Addie, Cristina, and Zachary. He is predeceased by his father, Edgar Lee Griffith, his mother, Margarette Marie Wheeler Griffith, and his brother, John Balus Griffith.

Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Colonial Hills Church, 1225 Monteith Avenue, Hernando, with the service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. The burial will be at Forrest Hill South located at 2545 East Holmes Road, Memphis.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital.