August 23, 2023
HORNELL, NY – WLEA News has been informed, by former Mayor Shawn Hogan, that longtime Hornell Industrial Development Agency Director Jim Griffin, died this morning at his home in Arkport. Hogan says, Griffin had been under hospice care. He had been suffering from cancer for well over a year now. “It’s a sad day in Hornell,” said Mayor John Buckley.
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UPDATE, 3:42PM: Mayor Buckley orders City flags to be lowered in honor of Jim Griffin.
“Our community has suffered a great loss with the passing of Jim Griffin. Jim had a larger-than-life personality and was an ambassador for the ‘Hornell Spirit.’ As a lifelong advocate for the growth of our beloved city, he played a pivotal and instrumental role, leading both the Hornell IDA and Chamber of Commerce, while charting a path for economic development over many decades. Whether it was an industrial, residential, or commercial project, if it happened during the last 50 years, it is likely that Griff had a hand in it. He will forever be remembered for his love, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our community. Always working for the betterment of Hornell, Jim leaves behind a long legacy of professional achievements which helped lay the foundation for much of today’s success stories. We have lost a giant. One we were blessed to know, and one who through his own hard work and determination, helped shape Hornell into the City we love. Always armed with a good-humored joke or story, I will miss Jim’s warm, infectious personality and our frequent conversations. My deepest condolences go out to the Griffin family during this difficult time.”
From Former Hornell Mayor Shawn Hogan: “A wonderful friend and a great supporter and promoter of Hornell. The man, I had the pleasure of working with for almost 40 years. His legacy will long precede him. I worked with him as a partner and friend and he was my mentor. I grieve with his family and with the community.”
