James Donald Griggers

James “Jim” Donald Griggers, 84, of Pensacola, FL, departed his earthly life to be with the Lord May 6, 2017.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ira W. Griggers and Leona Griggers, brother Ira W. Griggers Jr, sister Jewel R. Coburn, and Nephew Dempsey Coburn Jr.

Jim leaves behind his beloved wife of 62 years, June Elizabeth Griggers; his daughter, Donna Tugwell (Brig. Gen. John Tugwell, USAF Ret.) and Son, James Scott Griggers (Belinda); eight grandchildren; Tiffany Gregory (Randy), Cameron Griggers, Andrea Griggers, John Tugwell II, Brandon Tugwell, Corey Griggers, Taylor Tugwell Cota(Kris) and Toni Griggers. Jim also leaves 11 great grandchildren whom he cherished as they did him. Jim was lovingly referred to as “Granddaddy”. Later in life Jim adopted a special friend, “Mimi the cat", who was always by his side bringing him lots of joy.

Jim served on active duty in the U.S. Navy, during the Korean war, from 1950-53. Following his service in the Navy, Jim embarked on a career at Monsanto where he retired after 37 years of dedicated service as Supervisor of Intermediates.

While still employed at Monsanto Jim ventured into other areas of interest such as “Jim’s Nursery” where he supplied a variety of shrubberies and plants to retail stores, G.C. Murphy’s and Farmers Market. Jim owned and managed rental properties throughout the Pensacola area. He enhanced his knowledge by attending diverse courses at Pensacola Junior College.

Following retirement in 1996, Jim continued as an entrepreneur by opening, Jim's Computer's, a computer supply and repair store which he managed until his passing.

Jim could repair anything from mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and construction.  Following hurricane Ivan, Jim, in his seventies, singlehandedly built a three-bedroom house, for his son, beginning with planning, blueprints, laying the foundation to installing the ridge vent, and everything in between.

Jim patiently taught his son, son-in-law, and grandchildren how to diagnose and repair appliances, mechanics, air-conditioning, and many other technical devices. He required his daughter to know basic car maintenance such as checking and changing oil, how to replace a flat tire, check and identify fluid levels under the hood before she was aloud to obtain a driver license.

Jim had a smile that would light up a room and and everyone recognized him by his gentle nature. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family (including Mimi who misses her belly and neck rubs). 

The family will receive friends at 11am at Cope-Keahey Funeral Home in Evergreen, Alabama. Visitation will be 11am followed by funeral services beginning at 12pm, May 11, 2017. A Graveside Service will follow at Magnolia Cemetery.  Service will be conducted by Rev. Dr. James E. Griggers of Austria. 

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