Pastor Ian Hunt Griffith passed away peacefully at home in La Moille, on June 14, 2023 at the age of 59.

He was born on August 1, 1963 and raised by adoptive parents Elizabeth (Meyer) Fitch and James Griffith.

Ian grew up in Glenview, Illinois. In his youth he enjoyed playing baseball and was a big fan of skateboarding with his friends and even building his own ramps in the driveway. As a music aficionado, he could not only provide information on the bands and singers he enjoyed but was knowledgeable on those he did not.

Ian graduated from New Trier West High School in Northfield, IL in 1981 where he made lifelong friends. As part of the high school choir, one of his favorite high school memories was the choir trip to England. He had a wonderful voice and many years later he resumed sharing this gift of singing in the church choir during which he and fellow choir members shared music and mischief. As a young adult he also enjoyed being part of a dart team and continued meeting up with his teammates for decades. All that knew him enjoyed his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor.

His dad jokes were a hit with his friends and family. Ian was always a hard worker. One of his early jobs was for McDonalds in Glenview where he was so efficient that he was one of the youngest Store Managers, far exceeding the efficiency of others in the surrounding area, so much so that he was offered control of his own store. However, he then moved on from fast food to the printing industry where he also excelled. Then as the print industry gave way to desktop publishing, he entered the IT industry initially in computer and software sales, then moved on to support and then business solutions while maintaining many required certifications. Growing up Ian was not raised into a denomination, but would
occasionally attend church with his grandparents. In fact, he had no desire to attend church during much of his adulthood either. However, once his youngest was born he began attending church from time to time and then regularly.

Pastor David Lerseth was instrumental in Ian's decision to become a Christian; answering many questions and baptizing him as an adult. Ian's faith journey began by attending church, then joining Bible studies and eventually leading these Bible studies and prayer groups. He became a Stephen Minister, then became a Stephen Ministry Leader and began his studies to become a pastor. Throughout he was deeply involved in his churches' Men's Groups and the H.I.S. Ministry. Ian's Pastoral journey was long as he worked full time in his corporate career while he earned an Associate's degree from Moody Bible Institute and a Bachelor's degree from the Institute of Lutheran Theology. In 2022, he left the corporate world and through God's perfect timing Pastor Ian was graced with the position at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. There are no words to express what a blessing the time spent at Zion has been for Pastor Ian and his family.

Ian was preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth Fitch and birth father William E. Meade.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Norris Griffith and children: Jason Griffith, Michael Norris, Matthew Menart and Sophia Griffith, his sister Alison Gail Griffith, father James Griffith and grandchildren: Gabriel, Olivia, Breanna and Isabella Griffith.

A memorial service will be held for Pastor Ian Griffith on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at at 11:30 a.m. at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Clarion 27182 3320 East Street La Moille, IL 61330 Visitation: 10:00 a.m. until time of services. Luncheon immediately following service. Thank you to the Zion congregation for hosting the luncheon. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions can be made to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Clarion, La Moille, IL 61330.