Michael Joseph Griffin passed away on Wednesday August 26, 2020 at the age of 60. Mike is survived by his father George T. Griffin, his mother Kathleen C. Modrcin, his sisters Linda Formella (Joe), Barbara Gutierrez and his brother Jim Griffin (Kim) and many nieces and nephews. Mike leaves behind his beloved son Matthew, age 14, and the mother of his son, Kim Leigh Griffin.
Mike was born in Kansas City, Missouri, graduated from Shawnee Mission East in 1978 and went to work for his father in the manufacturing rep business in the Kansas City area. He was a respected salesman, worked in Omaha, Nebraska as a territory sales manager and then moved to Tampa, Florida in 1986 to run a Manufacturers Rep Agency with his brother Jim. At a young age Mike was recognized as a very talented, organized and effective salesman achieving many accolades. Mike stayed with the company until 1991 when he moved to San Diego, California to go into a cutting-edge field of data gathering from courthouses. After a few years he sold the company and took a position with them in Dallas, Texas then returned to Tampa in 1996 and rejoined his brother at the agency.
Mike lived a storied life and had a passion for speed, adrenaline and thrill. Jet ski jumping in the waves of the Gulf of Mexico, bungee jumping off towering bridges, vintage airplane war chase-games, motocross racing, street bike rider loving that speed, race car owner and driver, snow skier; Mike did it all and loved every minute of it.
Mike lived with a “you only live once!” and “go big or go home!” spirit and he loved others even more passionately than extreme sports. Mike always said yes to a lunch invitation and was someone who was completely at peace just being in your presence.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held Saturday, September 5th at Grace Family Church – South Tampa located at 4479 W Gandy Blvd Tampa, FL 33611 at 4pm. Private burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to an education fund set up for Mike’s son Matthew. Your kind offering will benefit a wonderful young man who has a bright future ahead of him: https://gf.me/u/yu5rw
Mike and I were step brothers and our families blended well together. The family get togethers were always a great way to catch up and you would find Mike kind, soft spoken and comfortable being with family. Mike will be missed. Love you Buddy.
My thoughts & prayers are with all the family.
I want to give my deepest condolences to Michael Griffin’s family. Wishing you sweet rememberances of the love devotion and wonderful spirit of your dearest son,father,companion and brother. May his spirit give you joy andca smile when finally the pain of loss begins to fade. May our Dear Father welcome him into his arms and hold him tightly till you can embrace him again. May the Holy Spirit comfort you and bring peace to your heart. To my dear friend Barbara I feel your pain and pray for peace for you. Caye Stephen Akron Ohio
Holding you & your family in my heart as you begin the journey of grief. Know you are surrounded by friends who will walk the path with you and a loving God who never abandons us. Blessings
George & Kathy, we are so sorry to learn of the loss of your son Mike. It sounds as though he lived life to the fullest and was a happy and caring man. We know your grief is so hard to bear right now. But the wonderful memories you all shared will ease that pain. We send prayers of healing and support. Jim & Joyce Murray.
Will always remember that wonderful smile
Such a great gentleman known Mike since he was a very young man
Always in my memories Michael
Uncle Mike i love you and miss you so much. You were the best uncle and best friend someone could ask God for and get in this life. So thank you for making my life so much better with your love and kindness.
Dear Kim, thinking of you during this very difficult time .
Maria Sosa
To the Griffin family,
I am heartbroken over the passing of my friend Mike. I became friends with him and his brother Jim when they moved across the street from my family in high school. I am forever grateful to have been included in their circle of friends even though I was not part of the Motocross family. I will always remember the many times we laughed so hard it hurt about so many things. We hadn’t kept in contact lately as much but Mike, Jim and the rest of the family are never far from my thoughts. I always remember what a great hostess Mrs. Griffin was to all who entered their house. You have all been in my thoughts and prayers these past two weeks. Nothing I say can take away the pain but know that I cared deeply for your brother, son, father and uncle. His memory will always be with me. Rest in peace, my dear friend Mike. Take care and God Bless!
John Hess