James Griffis

James Griffis, 75 Youngstown âa�" James Griffis, died Tuesday morning at St. Elizabethâa�a��s Hospital with his family by his side. Mr. Griffis was born on July 5, 1928 in Albion, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Arthur and Kathryn C. Griffis. Mr. Griffis was known as an accomplished entrepreneur, owning and operating D&G Enterprises in North Lima for 40 years, building swimming pools in the tri-state area. His other business interests included selling artificial Christmas trees and other related items. Through Mr. Griffis, D&G expanded into manufacturing, trucking and construction. Both James and the business received many industry awards. Mr. Griffis attended North High School in Coitsville, Ohio graduating in 1947. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1968 and then his Masters in 1979 at YSU. Upon graduation he became a limited service professor in the Williamson School of Business, teaching business and management courses. He retired from YSU in 1993, but continued educating and helping business people as an active member of SCORE, Florida Chapter. He promoted education and was an avid reader and kept a large pile of books near the back door of his house for anyone to take. He was also a member of Mended Hearts and the Youngstown-Warren Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Griffis and his wife were world travelers and made trips to Bora, Bora, Tahiti, Venezuela, Spain, North Africa, Alaska, Angel Falls and even sailed an Americaâa�a��s Cup Racer. He had vacation property in Florida and enjoyed fishing, boating and especially quiet time on the chain of lakes with his many friends. Besides his beloved wife of 54 years, Arlene Traenkle who he married May 28, 1949, he leaves one son, Larry (Ruth) Griffis of Poland; two daughters, Lynn (Robert) Haug and Teri (Kenneth) Pahon, both of Boardman; two sisters, Beverly Gray of Largo, Florida and Barbara Stefan of Boardman; six grandchildren, Eric, Brittany, Heidi, Kimber, Lee and Amanda. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, 3:00 pm at Lockwood United Methodist Church in Boardman. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Memorials may be made in memory of James to the Lockwood United Methodist Church, 4570 Lockwood Blvd., Boardman, Ohio 44512. Arrangements are being handled by Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 North Main Street, Poland, Ohio 44514.

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