James Hugh "Jim" Griggs
April 23, 1937 ~ October 6, 2021 (age 84) 84 Years Old
Obituary
James Hugh “Jim” Griggs of Whitsett passed away at his home Wednesday October 6th, 2021 after a brief illness. Jim was 84 years old.
A native of Rockingham, NC, he was the husband of 56 years to Mrs. Virginia Lee Hamm Griggs, deceased, and the son of Kate Dixon, deceased.
Mr. Griggs, known to his many friends, golf buddies, and business relations as “Big Jim” and by his grandchildren as “Daddy Jim”, had a long and very successful business career in the Burlington area. After serving in the US Army and attending Elon College, Jim broke sales records at Piedmont Natural Gas and then at Whirlpool Corp. His infectious smile and bone crushing handshake became his trademark. In 1968, Jim purchased Tire Sales Co. on Main Street in Burlington, and quickly reshaped it into Big Jim’s TV and Appliances, which became one of the most successful appliance sales centers in the Carolinas. Other business ventures followed, including: Tolliver’s Restaurants, Southern Salvage and in 1987, Southland Electrical Supply was incorporated. Today, its success continues under the management of second and third generation family members.
Jim will be remembered not just for his business successes but for his generous support of many local civic groups, serving as President of the Burlington Lions Club and the Greater Whitsett Ruritan Club. His support of Springwood Presbyterian Church continues with his request that any memorials made in his name be made to Springwood Presbyterian Church Vision 2020 Memorial Jim Griggs PO Box 5, Whitsett, NC 27377.
Jim is survived by his four sons, Timothy Griggs Sr., of Burlington, NC, Patrick Griggs and his partner Corey Wooten, of Greensboro, NC, Mike Griggs and wife Lisa, of Burlington, NC and Scott Griggs and wife Anne of New Bern, NC. Left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren, Timothy Griggs Jr., Amber Griggs Harrison and husband Tyler, Katie Griggs Chung and husband Chun Chung, Lauren Griggs Bradshaw and husband Todd Bradshaw, Christopher Rhett Griggs and wife Jackie Griggs, Connor Alexander Griggs, and Kathryn Alexandra Griggs. Great grandchildren Zackary Bradshaw, Coralee and Coastal Harrison, and Evangeline Chung. He is also survived by his brother Obeira Griggs and wife Jean, deceased. Predeceased by his siblings Billy Ross Dixon and Barbara Griggs Bonnoitt. And by his constant companion Ms. Billye Harris.
A private service will be held in the gardens at Holly Gate, where Jim spent endless hours tending his beautiful flowers. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be made at www.richandthompson.com.
A native of Rockingham, NC, he was the husband of 56 years to Mrs. Virginia Lee Hamm Griggs, deceased, and the son of Kate Dixon, deceased.
Mr. Griggs, known to his many friends, golf buddies, and business relations as “Big Jim” and by his grandchildren as “Daddy Jim”, had a long and very successful business career in the Burlington area. After serving in the US Army and attending Elon College, Jim broke sales records at Piedmont Natural Gas and then at Whirlpool Corp. His infectious smile and bone crushing handshake became his trademark. In 1968, Jim purchased Tire Sales Co. on Main Street in Burlington, and quickly reshaped it into Big Jim’s TV and Appliances, which became one of the most successful appliance sales centers in the Carolinas. Other business ventures followed, including: Tolliver’s Restaurants, Southern Salvage and in 1987, Southland Electrical Supply was incorporated. Today, its success continues under the management of second and third generation family members.
Jim will be remembered not just for his business successes but for his generous support of many local civic groups, serving as President of the Burlington Lions Club and the Greater Whitsett Ruritan Club. His support of Springwood Presbyterian Church continues with his request that any memorials made in his name be made to Springwood Presbyterian Church Vision 2020 Memorial Jim Griggs PO Box 5, Whitsett, NC 27377.
Jim is survived by his four sons, Timothy Griggs Sr., of Burlington, NC, Patrick Griggs and his partner Corey Wooten, of Greensboro, NC, Mike Griggs and wife Lisa, of Burlington, NC and Scott Griggs and wife Anne of New Bern, NC. Left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren, Timothy Griggs Jr., Amber Griggs Harrison and husband Tyler, Katie Griggs Chung and husband Chun Chung, Lauren Griggs Bradshaw and husband Todd Bradshaw, Christopher Rhett Griggs and wife Jackie Griggs, Connor Alexander Griggs, and Kathryn Alexandra Griggs. Great grandchildren Zackary Bradshaw, Coralee and Coastal Harrison, and Evangeline Chung. He is also survived by his brother Obeira Griggs and wife Jean, deceased. Predeceased by his siblings Billy Ross Dixon and Barbara Griggs Bonnoitt. And by his constant companion Ms. Billye Harris.
A private service will be held in the gardens at Holly Gate, where Jim spent endless hours tending his beautiful flowers. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be made at www.richandthompson.com.
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