James 'Sonny' Griffin
December 18, 1930 ~ December 16, 2003
At his home, James ''Sonny'' Griffin of 445 Huntington St., 3rd floor, New Haven, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 16, 2003. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, daughters, Sheilah Robinson and Beatrice Griffin and beloved foster daughter, Molly Donallo of New Haven, stepsons, Peter Reyes of Meriden, Terrence Reyes of Fayette, SC, many grand and great-grandchildren and a host of dear nieces and nephews, five sisters, Mildred Jaynes and Marcia Griffin of Hamden, Jane Ellis, Jean Cobb and Ruth Jackson of New Haven. Predeceased by a brother, Leroy Griffin and a sister, Marguerite Wiley and his mother, Marguerite Griffin. ''Sonny'' as he was fondly called was a member of the rhythm and blues group called ''The Nutmegs'', a very popular New Haven group which preformed and recorded numerous records from the middle 50's to the early 70's. He was a veteran of the Korean War. He loved gardening, the outdoors and western movies. He lived in Hyannis, MA (Cape Cod) for the past 23 years returning to New Haven, his hometown, on Nov. 14, 2003. He was a lifelong member of the Mt. Zion SDA Church in Hamden. May his departed soul rest in peace. Funeral service Monday, Dec. 22, 2003 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Zion SDA Church, 64 Marlboro St., Hamden. Arrangements under the direction of BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden.
My dear Uncle. You are in a better place. I am sorry I did not make it but know you are always loved and never forgotten. Gods blessings upon our family. Rest in peace.
Thank You Sonny for all the great music you and the Nutmegs gave us.Your talent was a major contribution to a truly American art form; Rhythm&Blues vocal group harmony.God Bless!