Jim Griffin '48

“Ray Alf changed my life!” It’s a comment heard often at Webb, and was specifically spoken by Jim Griffin ’48 when he arrived on campus at Alumni Weekend 2008 sixty years after Thompson Webb handed him a diploma. It had been decades since Jim walked in his former footsteps under the shade of Webb’s lofty oaks. Inspired by what he saw on campus, he returned in January 2009 for a tour of the Alf Museum and to meet Museum Director, Don Lofgren.

Jim’s story is a familiar one. Like many alumni he had long harbored fond memories of his high school days here. While at Webb, Jim was a loyal supporter of Ray’s museum and a strong lover of nature. He enjoyed photography and was a member of the camera club. Jim participated in the rifle club and was a member of the track team. After graduating from Webb, Jim attended and graduated from Pomona College and then went on to study and work in the field of geology.

During his visits to Webb, Jim asked about the different ways he might give back, and particularly about how he could honor Ray. He planned and initiated a substantial gift. Sadly, Jim was never able to offer his gift in person. He passed away the week he was scheduled to deliver the check to campus. However, Jim had generously added Webb to his estate plan several years earlier. Through his thoughtful planning, a check indeed arrived. The Alf Museum Hall of Life project benefited greatly and an endowed scholarship fund was also established in Jim’s memory. His legacy will live on in perpetuity at Webb.

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