James E. Griffin Obituary
James E. "Jim" Griffin, 81, of Rockport, died peacefully on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House of Danvers after battling Cancer and kidney disease.
He was born in Gloucester on December 17, 1944, son of the late Christine L. (Osier) Griffin and the late Ernest S. Griffin - both of Gloucester.
A proud Lanesville native, Jim spent his youth swimming in local quarries, playing hockey, and even posing for renowned sculptor Walker Hancock. Following his graduation from Gloucester High School, he served a four-year tour with the U.S. Air Force during the height of the Cold War with the elite 6921st Security Wing at Misawa Air Base, Japan earning rapid promotion to Airman 1st Class (E-4) by age 21.
Upon completion of his service, he returned home to join the Gloucester Fire Department where he dedicated the next 30 years to protecting his community. After starting as a tillerman on a ladder truck, he quickly transferred to Rescue 1, where he spent nearly his entire career. As one of the department's first certified Emergency Medical Technicians, Griffin served on the front lines during his neighbors' most vulnerable moments. Guided by deep patience and empathy, he possessed a rare gift for comforting anxious patients, especially children and the elderly. His quiet heroism made him a beloved local fixture—so much so that a simple trip to the grocery store while still an active-duty fireman often meant periodic stops to receive heartfelt thanks from grateful residents.
Fellow firefighters remember Jim as a genuine, dedicated professional and one worthy of the uniform. After three decades on Rescue 1, he enjoyed retirement walking local beaches, working part time at Greely Funeral Home and then Essex County Club, and, above all, being a devoted grandfather and great grandfather. He was a lifelong member of the Gloucester Lodge of Elks No 892 where he spent countless hours with friends and fellow fire fighters.
Jim's legacy of selfless service, compassion, and steadfast commitment to Cape Ann will be long remembered by all whose lives he touched.
He is survived by his sisters Diane, Jean and Kathy, his wife of 30 years Barbara, his stepdaughter Katie and her husband Tim, son James and his wife Christine, stepsons Ronald, Michael, and Richard, son-in-law Lawrence Marcantonio, six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren, nieces, nephews. He is predeceased by his Father Ernest S. Griffin, Mother Christine (Osier), Griffin, Brothers Bill and Robert, sister Nancy, and beloved Daughter Jean Marcantonio.
Visiting hours will be held in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, on Friday, September 18, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Burial will be held in Locust Grove Cemetery, 90 Langsford Street, Gloucester Saturday, September 19, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the Gloucester Firefighters Relief Association.
