James Howard Griggs, Sr., 70, died Friday, Nov. 16 of heart failure in Oakdale.

He was born in Modesto and lived in Oakdale his entire life.

Mr. Griggs served in the National Guard for approximately eight years.

He was a retired heavy equipment operator.

He loved going to the mountains, hunting, and spent most of his time outside.

He loved all of his grandchildren and loved spending time with his great-grandson. He and his great-grandson spent a lot of time together. He was a wonderful father and grandfather.

He did a lot for his family and they will feel lost without him. His friends and family will miss his jokes and story-telling of tall tales and legends.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Cora Mae Griggs; children, Diane Branham of Tehachapi, James Howard Griggs, Jr. of Modesto, Jacklynn Grubbs of Oakdale; siblings, Grace Irene Griggs of Oakdale, George Allan Griggs of Denair, Ray Earl Griggs of Manteca, Rose Alnora Reed of Wisconsin; seven grandchildren; one great-grandson; and one grandson-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Ira Griggs and Mildred Ruth Hoach.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24 at Oakdale Memorial Chapel. Interment will be in Ceres.