Jimmy D. Griffis, 83, of Lake Park, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

Jimmy grew up in Valdosta and graduated from Lowndes High School in 1961, where he was a member of the track team. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving four years aboard the USS Essex aircraft carrier and attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. After his military service, he began his career with Southern Bell, which later became AT&T. He retired after more than 35 years as a telecommunications technician.

Jimmy was dedicated to serving his community in many ways. He served for many years on the Lowndes County Board of Equalization and was a devoted plasma donor for the American Red Cross. An accomplished woodworker, he handcrafted numerous keepsake boxes for the Beads of Courage program, providing support and encouragement to children battling cancer. He also served as the former volunteer fire chief of Twin Lakes, was a member of the Valdosta Yacht Club, a member of Lake Park Community Church, and most recently attended Wrights Chapel in Echols County.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Lynette Shepherd of Lake Park; his son and daughter-in-law, Christopher D. and Tami Griffis of Crestview, Florida; granddaughters, Ceridwyn Griffis and her husband, Skyler, of Tallahassee, Florida, and Rowan Griffis of Tallahassee; his brothers and sister-in-law, Gary W. and Brenda Griffis of Valdosta and Alan L. Griffis of Lake Park; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Barney D. Griffis, Jr. and Martha Lucy Stubbs Griffis; his first wife, Sandra "Sandy" DeLoach Griffis; and his sister-in-law, Jackie Griffis.

A memorial service for Jimmy will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Brooks Rehabilitation Foundation, brooksrehab.org.

Condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page at www.mclanecares.com.