Howard Eugene Griffis, a dedicated resident of Jackson, Michigan, with deep roots in Hanover and Horton, passed away peacefully at his home on December 8, 2025, at the age of 81.
Born on July 6, 1944, in Jackson to parents Raymond Franklin and Helen Mary (Ayres) Griffis, he embodied the quiet resilience and community spirit characteristic of rural Michigan life. The Jackson area mourns the loss of a man whose contributions spanned business, civic leadership, and personal passions that enriched local traditions.
Griffis pursued a career in sales, demonstrating entrepreneurial drive by owning and operating Griff’s Party Store in Horton, providing essential goods and a familiar gathering spot for residents. His professional endeavors reflected reliability and customer focus, fostering connections within the small-town economy of Jackson County. This role complemented his broader involvement in community affairs, where he served as Hanover Township Supervisor during the 1970s, contributing to local governance and development.
Beyond work, Griffis invested in youth through coaching basketball for Hanover-Horton schools, guiding young athletes with patience and encouragement that shaped character on and off the court. His affiliation with Concord United Methodist Church underscored a faith-based lifestyle, participating in congregational activities that strengthened spiritual and social ties in the region. These commitments highlighted his caring nature and commitment to nurturing the next generation.
Griffis embraced an active outdoor lifestyle, enjoying hunting and fishing excursions that connected him to Michigan’s natural landscapes, as well as golfing and water-based recreation for relaxation and fellowship. Family casino trips added moments of lighthearted adventure, blending leisure with shared experiences. As a lifelong University of Michigan sports enthusiast and season ticket holder, he took immense pride in three grandchildren earning degrees from the institution, celebrating their achievements with unwavering support.
In his family life, Griffis shared a enduring marriage with wife Sally Lou (Munsie) Griffis since March 6, 1965, building a home grounded in partnership and mutual respect. He was a loving father to daughter Jodie (Ryan) Boehlke of Ann Arbor, and maintained close ties with son-in-law Andy Lons of Homer following the loss of daughter Traci Lons. His legacy extends to four grandchildren—Kylie (Olivia) Brigham, Storm (Jenna) Boehlke, Joseph (Annie) Lons, and Cecelia Lons—as well as two great-grandchildren, Ryann and Merek, with another expected.
Howard Eugene Griffis lived a life well lived, marked by professional diligence, civic service, coaching mentorship, and profound devotion to family and Michigan traditions in Jackson County. His legacy endures through the community roles he filled, the outdoor passions he pursued, and the quiet kindness he extended to loved ones and neighbors alike. In this time of remembrance, his gentle spirit serves as a testament to embracing community involvement, recreational joys, and heartfelt familial bonds amidst the rhythms of rural Michigan existence.
