Jack Hilton Griffin was born on July 8, 1937, one of eight children born to James Solomon and Lucile Helton Griffin of Rebecca, Georgia.
Shortly after Jack’s birth, the family moved to Ocilla, Georgia, where Jack attended school. In his late teens, Jack worked at the Sinclair Gas station in town. In the late 1950s, Jack moved to live with his older sister Carolyn Grove in Escondido, California.
Over the years, Jack became quite skilled in metalworking and gadget making. Jack worked for several businesses, including George and Krogh Welding, and eventually for Palomar Motors (aka Young Pontiac-Cadillac), becoming Parts Manager in the late 1960s. He married his first wife, Dorian Lucille Kempton, in 1961 and had two sons, James S. and Jody E. Griffin.
Jack moved to Ramona in the late 1970s, where he became proprietor of Sun Valley Feed, eventually moving it to Main Street in Ramona, where it remained until its closure. Kind and generous, Jack gained many friends and loyal customers. While running his feed store, Jack met his second wife, Arline Calhoun, and married her in 1997, remaining by her side until his death.
Jack dealt with numerous health issues the last several years and passed quietly in his sleep early in the morning on November 12, 2020.
Jack is predeceased by his parents, siblings, and first wife Lucille; he is survived by his wife Arline, sons James and Jody, stepdaughter Danielle, adoptive children Albert and Tracy, several nieces & nephews, a large extended family, and a wide variety of dear friends.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be held at a future date for those who remember him fondly to gather and celebrate his life. Jack will be missed. Please sign the guest book online at legacy.com/obituaries/ramonasentinel