Dr. John Patrick Griffin's Obituary
Dr. John P. Griffin, age 91, died peacefully on Tuesday April 28, 2026, at his home in Germantown, Tennessee. John was born on July 10, 1934, to parents James Joseph Griffin and Dorothy Neher Griffin in Chicago, Illinois.
John graduated from St. Joseph College (Indiana) and the Stritch School of Medicine Loyola University (Chicago) and completed his post graduate training in internal medicine and infectious diseases before embarking on a long and distinguished career as a pulmonary physician. John served with distinction in the US Navy and then continued his career at the Veteran’s Administration spending over four decades as a physician, educator, scientist and mentor. As a respected researcher and teacher, he published numerous papers and trained generations of physicians with particular clinical interest in pulmonary cancers.
John married Jean Banks Griffin on June 1, 1957. He was a devoted husband and the proud father of a large and loving family. John is survived by his beloved wife Jean. Children Mary Joyce Griffin, Dr. James Griffin (Lisa), Jean Bisio (Tony), John Griffin (Angela), Julianne Jackson (Robert), Jennifer Schaeffer (Jonathan), and Bryan Griffin (Shellee). Grandchildren Ryan Bisio (Denise), Britney Bisio (Nick), Robert Jackson III (Ashley), Emily Griffin (Aanand), Cecilia Jackson, John Patrick Griffin (Hope), Brennan Griffin, Elizabeth Griffin, Brighid Griffin, Allison Griffin and Joss Chesney. Great grandchildren April Bisio, Ansley Jackson, Antonia Pachon, Robert Jackson IV, and Ryan Bisio Jr.
John was an avid contributor to the community. He served in the past as the President of the Tennessee Lung Association and on the Board of Directors of St. Agnes Academy and St. Dominic schools. He was known for his humor, friendships and generous mentorship. Outside of medicine he enjoyed family beach trips, watching the Memphis Grizzlies, and playing saxophone and piano as a member of the Doctors Jazz band. The compassion and empathy he demonstrated in his professional, family and community life leave a lasting legacy.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:30am at St. Louis Catholic Church 203 S. White Station Road with visitation at the church beginning one hour before Mass. Celebrant: Very Rev. J. Keith Stewart, V.G. A private rite of committal will be held for immediate family at Memorial Park Cemetery. A reception for guests will follow Mass in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924.”
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?
