Jay Jordan Griffis, 81, of Bethany OK, went to be with his Lord and Savior April 24, 2016. Jay was born on June 23, 1934 in Norwood, Ohio to George D. Griffis and Helen Runion Griffis. After graduating from Norwood High School in 1953, he joined the U.S. Army. Jay served for 3 years in Washington D.C. and Turkey. While in Turkey, Jay and family had the opportunity to visit the Holy Land, which was a highlight of his time over there. After serving in the military, Jay returned to his hometown of Norwood, Ohio. There, he was a member of the Norwood Nazarene Church and enrolled in the University of Cincinnati. He moved to Bethany, OK in 1969 and continued his education at Bethany Nazarene College (SNU) and OCU acquiring his bachelors and masters degrees. Jay served as a youth minister at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene from 1972-75. During his time as a youth pastor he enjoyed choir tours, mission trips, and summer camps at Camp Goddard. In 1976, Jay began over 35 years of service to Bethany Public Schools as a much-loved teacher, principal, counselor, administrator, coach, and friend. During his years at Bethany, he revived the baseball program and began the golf program at the high school. During his time as principal, he attended nearly every athletic event at Bethany, in addition to extra curricular activities. After retirement from Bethany Public Schools in 1999, he stayed involved as the High School Alternative Education Counselor, Golf Coach, and a member of the BPS Foundation Board. Jay was inducted to the Bethany High School Hall of Honor in 2007. Jay married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Monfort, in 1957. They had two children, Dawn and John, both born in Cincinnati Ohio. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and always made them his priority. Dawn and John knew they could always count on their dad and never outgrew the need for his love or advice. Jay was so proud of his children and grandchildren. He made time to attend every sporting and extracurricular event, often going to multiple events in the same day. Jay was the golf coach for all 7 grandchildren at Bethany High School. He shared his love of the game with his children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren. He took every opportunity that he could to spend time with them on the course and in other activities, often using this time to build relationships, make memories, and teach life lessons. Jay is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marilyn; daughter, Dawn Williams and husband Mark; daughter-in-law, Saundra Griffis; grandchildren, Jonathan Williams and wife Jessica, Jason Williams and wife Valerie, Matthew Griffis and wife Hannah, Allison Underwood and husband Drew, Hannah, Isaac, and Rachel Griffis; great grandchildren, Emma and Taylor Williams; and sister, Jane Cribari of New Jersey. He was preceded in death by beloved son, John Griffis, parents, brothers, Jimmy and Jerry Griffis, and sister, June McCabe. Memorial Service Wednesday, April 27, 2016 10:00 AM Bethany First Church of the Nazarene 6789 N.W. 39th Expressway Bethany, OK 73008