Obituary of Jerome S. Griffith

Dr. Jerome S. Griffith "Jerry" was received with open arms at heaven's gate on November 3, 2014 at the age of 89. He was surrounded by family as he went peacefully to join his son Paul and other loved ones. Jerry was born in Los Angeles on October 30, 1925 to Ernest and Amelia Griffith. He was an honor student in his youth and also enjoyed the outdoors and playing clarinet in the school band. Dr. Griffith completed his pre-med studies at UCLA in two years and then continued to the University of Utah Medical School, where he graduated in three years. He earned his MD at age 22 while serving in both the Navy and Air Force. In 1949, Jerry married his wife of 65 years, Barbara Morris Griffith. They moved to Torrance, CA to complete his residency at Harbor General Hospital. He was then chosen for the internship program at the fledgling Sansum Medical Clinic in Santa Barbara. He was very proud to become one of the founding physicians at Sansum, where he practiced until retirement in 1987. Jerry enjoyed fly-fishing, sailing, carpentry, reading, music, watching sports and working around the house and yard. He played his clarinet in the Prime Time Band until his late 70's. He was a devoted family man, and he and Barbara were always encouraging, supportive and present in their children's and grandchildren's lives and activities. There were many memorable vacations to Hawaii, Arizona, Coffee Creek, the Ponderosa cabin, and Baldwin Lake. Jerry was a very committed and active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He was a loving, steady, kind and caring family man, physician, friend and neighbor. His humility, faith and quiet strength will be missed but never forgotten - his star shines brightly. "Well done, good and faithful servant". The family would like to acknowledge and thank the staffs and caregivers of the Grove at Valle Verde Retirement Community and Assisted Hospice for their many months of love, support, comfort, and compassionate care for Jerry and the entire family as we traveled this journey of transition together. Dr. Griffith was preceded in death by his son Paul. He is survived by wife B a r b a r a ; d a u g h t e r s J a n G r i f f i t h D e l C a r l o a n d K a r e n G r i f f i t h ; grandchildren Karin Del Carlo Shirk, Brandon and Taylor Griffith; sisters Antoinette Fehsel, Doris Gibson, and Marguerite Griffith. A graveside service will be held on December 1, 2014 at 2:00pm at the Santa Barbara Cemetery in the Sunrise Urn Garden.