Jon Anthony Griffith

Our beloved father, husband, son, and teacher, Jon Anthony Griffith passed away peacefully and surrounded by his loving family Sunday, October 6, 2024 in the home that he built 35 years ago on that very night. Jon was born on September 24, 1965 as the only beloved child to Carney (deceased) and Shiela Griffith of Drawdy, WV. He was the grandson of Everett and Etta Griffith also of Drawdy and Calvert and Dora Gunnoe of Rock Creek.

Jon married the love of his life, Melinda Eplin Griffith, on October 7, 1989 at Racine First Baptist on a beautiful fall day. They honeymooned at the Greenbrier Resort and have since visited every following year often recalling the happy days of yesteryear. Jon and Melinda have three brilliant children, Caraline Griffith (Travis Nichols) of Marysville, OH, Emily Griffith of Westerville, OH and Alexander Griffith of Dublin, OH. Jon was recently blessed with a grandson, Rhys Nichols.

Jon graduated from Sherman High School in 1983 where he played football and many other sports and was affectionately known as ‘Bubba’. He was a beyond brilliant mathematician with an IQ that exceeded genius. He was also fluent in German; he was able to travel in his younger years to many European countries. Being extremely gifted, Jon yearned to share his intellect at an early age. West Virginia State University was proud to accept Jon as a student where he successfully obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education. He went on to receive his Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education from Marshall University and went on to work towards his Doctoral Program in Mathematics.

Jon was a loyal faculty member for 36 years to Boone County Schools having taught at Sherman Jr High and Sherman High School for a majority of his tenure. He recently retired as of July 1st of 2024. He was able to teach over five thousand students over the course of his many years where his love of math and numbers brought him to also teach high level math college course work through West Virginia State University. An avid golfer, he became the golf coach of Sherman Jr and Sherman Sr High Schools for 14 years. This eventually led to a regional golf championship in 2020 where he was extremely proud of his high school team. Continuing his love of mathematics, he was the Math Field Day coach at Sherman Jr High and Sherman High School for 30+ years.

Outside of his career, he was Scout Master to Boy Scout Troop 3045 for 14 years which produced 5 Eagle Scouts, one being his son Alexander. Jon enjoyed science fiction including Star Trek, Star Wars, and Doctor Who, attending many conventions with his children. He also collected items that brought him joy including Polo shirts, Pokemon, Magic the Gathering and baseball cards. He enjoyed watching hockey games, going to rock concerts, playing golf, Sudoku puzzles, and spending time with his family in Ohio where he had planned to spend the rest of his life.

Jon’s love of Jesus and his Christian beliefs got him through these difficult times. Although his difficulties were short lived, his many days lived were always worth repeating. His laughter radiated and his personality will never be forgotten.

Special thanks to his Hospice nurses Stephanie and Amelia.

He was preceded in death by his father, Carney Griffith, and also his father-in-law, Harold Eplin, who adored him.

He is survived by his wife, Melinda Griffith; children, Caraline, Emily and Alexander; grandson, Rhys; mother, Sheila Griffith; and mother-in-law, Emogene Eplin.

Family will welcome friends Wednesday, October 9, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at Racine First Baptist Church with a funeral service to follow at 6pm with Reverend Dr. Frances DuBose and Pastor Anthony Pratt officiating.

“Of all the souls I have encountered in my travels, his was the most human…” – Captain James T. Kirk (Star Trek)