James Ray

Griffin

Obituary for James Ray Griffin

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of James Ray Griffin of Sweetwater, Texas at Hendricks Medical Center, on September 23, 2026 at the age of 71, surrounded by family.

James was born to Alfred and Merline Griffin on November 2, 1954 in Hamlin, Texas. James grew up in McCaulley. He attended McCaulley school, graduating in 1973. After high school, James continued helping his dad on the farm for awhile. He also farmed with his friend James Kemp, driving tractors and breaking horses. James was later employed as a Security Guard at the Wind Farm in Sweetwater.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1980 to 1983, attaining the rank of SP4. One of the highlights of his military career was serving as a platoon leader, where he helped build bridges. He was proud of his service and the time he spent serving his country.

After the military, James worked at Walmart in Sweetwater as the Department Head of Sporting Goods for a period of time. As a hobby, he tried his luck as a pearl diver in the Concho River in Central Texas. He would scour the muddy shallow waters with his hands in search of pearls, inside fresh water mussels. After more than 100,000 mussels over four years, James dredged a flawless ten-millimeter purple pearl – from a location he refused to divulge! James quickly learned to become a custom jewelry designer-maker. Armed with hundreds of pearls, he enjoyed creating unique pieces for family and friends. It didn’t take long to turn his passion into a successful business.

James was one of 6 children and the only son of Alfred & Merline, weighing barely 5 pounds at birth. His sisters delighted in putting him in their “doll buggy” and rolling him throughout the house, calling him “their baby”. This was of course, when parents went outdoors to feed the cows and left big sisters in charge. As James grew a little older, these sisters would play “Country Café” and coerced James to taste test their freshly made “dirt & chinaberry pies”. He, in turn as a teenager, terrorized the sisters with bugs and insects.

James faced many hardships with his health for the past couple of years, but it did not diminish his joy for life. His wife, Cindy (of 31 years) was his gentle caretaker; managing medications and appointments. She was an unsung hero of love in its most selfless form.

James was like his Dad who had a quiet strength that lay beneath the surface. He was known for his wisdom and kindness to others. His greatest attribute was his sense of humor, which left his nieces and nephews with great stories to tell.

James & Cindy loved to travel and experience new adventures. His best friend, Justin, would often accompany them and help with the driving. Justin encouraged James’ “tomfoolery” in gift shops trying on hats and wanting his picture taken. He enjoyed grilling, and admiring his handcrafted gazebo and coy fish pond.

He enjoyed attending the McCaulley Fish Frys and Homecomings each year. He was a proud son of McCaulley, where he continues to be a landowner.

James was preceded in death by his parents Alfred & Merline Griffin, great-grandparents Lawrence & Elvie Griffin, sister Barbara Collins, sister Vicky Tyra, his bonus grandson Taryn Sanders, nephews: Tommy Morgan, Chris Richardson, Deacon Godlove, Brandon Morgan, brothers-in-law Ronnie Dennis, Sam Tyra, and John Sissom.

James is survived by his wife Cindy, his bonus son & friend Justin Cody Sanders, both of Sweetwater, sister Carol Young of Sweetwater, sister Charlotte & husband Bill Godlove of Lubbock, sister Beverly & husband Jack Larsen of Hamlin, his Aunt Pat & Uncle Don Pyron of Hamlin, brother-in-law Mike Houston of Abilene, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 29 between 5:00-7:00 pm at McCoy Funeral Home in Sweetwater. Services and interment will be held at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery Pavilion in Abilene on Wednesday, September 30 at 1:00 pm. Officiating will be James Jeffrey from McCaulley.

Special thanks to the Care Team at Hendricks Medical Center in Abilene.

Optional: In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Texas Wounded Warrior Project Foundation @ P.O. Box 130727, Tyler, TX 75713, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital located at 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.mccoyfh.com.