JAMES GRIFFITH

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JAMES GRIFFITH James Griffith, beloved husband of Phyllis Joyce Griffith (nee Clark), of Cochrane, AB, passed away on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at the age of 80 years. Jim was born on October 15, 1937. Jim is survived by his loving wife Joyce; children, Kim (Brad) Walker of Calgary, AB, Tannis (Tim) Brown of Calgary, AB, Clark (Michele) Griffith of Ingersoll, ON, and Jennifer (Gary) Haines of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Andrew (Grace) Embury of Hong Kong, Alison Embury (Dale Warkentin)of Bond Head, ON, Cristin Embury (Colin Dyck) of Calgary, AB, Sean Brown of Regina, SK, Daren Brown of Calgary, AB, Gillian Griffith of Sault St. Marie, ON, and Heather (Mitch) McNaughton of Ingersoll, ON; great-grand-children, Iris West, and Elliott Embury; as well as his brother Owen (Lillian) Griffith of Victoria Beach, MB. He was predeceased by his parents, Annie and Owen Griffith of Winnipeg, MB. Jim's love of flying was fostered by his father Owen and older brother Owen. Jim joined Air Cadets and later received his wings through a special Cadet program with the R.C.A.F. Jim enjoyed a wonderful 38 year career as a pilot for Air Canada and retired as a Boeing 747/400 Captain. Jim lived his life to the fullest, if he wasn't volunteering as a scout leader, or a ringette coach, he loved to garden, to fish, and fly recreationally. Jim loved his dogs and spending time with them, but the most important part of his life was spending time with his family. Most recently Jim began writing and has been published in many aviation magazines. He also recently published a book (The Best Seat in the House) of short stories based on his career as a pilot, and dedicated tot he love of his life Joyce. Celebration of Life will be held at the Royal Western Canada Aviation Museum, 958 Ferry Road, Winnipeg, on Saturday, August 11 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings. Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds-and done hundred things You have not dreamed of-wheeled and soared and swung. High in the sunlit silence, hov'ring there I've chased the shouting winds along and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long delirious burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark nor ever eagle flew And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand and touched the faces of the Gods of flight That saved me from myself.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 04, 2018