James Franklin Griffith Sr., age 88 of Rensselaer passed away Tuesday, June 02, 2015. He was born on September 14, 1926 in Paris, Illinois to the late Hiram and Evelyn (nee Seible) Griffith. James was a longtime Northwest Indiana resident; he was a retired Crane Operator for Combustion Engineering. James proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Corp and was a lifetime American Legion Post 232 member.

He is survived by his wife, Bertha Jane (nee Ragon) Griffith of Rensselaer, IN; ten children, Marie Annette Griffith of Rensselaer, Robert Edward (Cynthia) Griffith of Hammond, Diana Lynn (Richard) Deem of Hessville, James Franklin (Sallie) Griffith JR of Oklahoma, Randall Lee (Polly) Griffith of Portage, Margaret Kay (Leroy Wayne) McComas of Hammond, John Vincent (Ramona) Griffith of Goodland, Ronald Eugene (Stacey) Griffith of Calumet City , Kevin Harlen Wayne Griffith of Monticello and Tammy Jane (Chris) Hixson of Rensselaer; two brothers, Richard (Jan) Griffith and Ronald (Linda) Griffith; two sisters, Shirley (Leonard) Elkins and Betty (Richard) Black, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other loving family members and friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Margaret (Vincent) Kuzdrowski and Wanda (Ray) Becker

A visitation for James will be Monday, June 8, 2015 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 1 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart. Burial will take place at Evergreen Memorial Park in Hobart. (219) 942-2109 or online at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com