James Isaac Griffin, IV

James Isaac Griffin IV, age 67, beloved husband of Joan Solomon Griffin, of Canadensis, Pennsylvania, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, after a fierce four-year battle with ALS. Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, on August 1, 1958 to James Issac Griffin III (Mary Paddock Griffin) and the late Davyne Elise (Slaughter) Griffin, he was raised in McAllen, Texas. A graduate of Dartmouth College with an undergraduate degree in Art History, James continued his education at Columbia University where he received his Master of Business Administration. James started his career as an investment banker and venture capitalist until suffering a heart attack in 2000. After that life-changing event, he decided to focus the rest of his life on improving education for underserved students and adults. In 2012, he founded the non-profit New Century Education Foundation with the goal of serving underperforming students, dyslexic readers, and juvenile justice and adult incarcerated populations through innovative and proven software. He considered his greatest achievement spearheading the development of the New Century - Noah Text Lessons for dyslexic and other struggling readers. He took incredible pride in the clinical research trials which demonstrated statistical significance of the software in improving the reading levels of middle school students and adults. Continuing the work of improving reading outcomes for at-risk students and adults was his primary focus during his battle with ALS. His family plans to continue his legacy of education in his memory. James spent his free time restoring antique cars and hiking the great outdoors from the Appalachian Trail to the Coastal Path of Wales. He was always a welcoming host to loved ones passing through, offering them a home cooked meal and good spirits. For 14 years, he was a board member of Fairview Lake YMCA Camp in Stillwater, New Jersey, including a stint as its Chairman. During that time, he established their 2-week specialized reading camp. Most importantly he was an adoring husband and loving father to his numerous children, of the blood and of the heart. In addition to his wife and father, James is survived by his children: Christopher Isaac Griffin, Linna Davyne Griffin (Rahul Nagarkar), Kaitlin Solomon Elizabeth Griffin, and Noah Beecher Phoenix; siblings: David West Griffin (Juliet Ellis) and Elise Davyne DeMarzo (Michael); step-siblings: Cynthia T. Bright (Stuart Sailer) and Andrew P. Bright (Titta Ahola); and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to list. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his memorial service on the 14 of February at 1 PM, at Saint John's Episcopal Church, 564 Easton Turnpike, Hamlin, PA. Friends will be received from 11am to 1 pm, at the Church. Memorial contributions may be made in James' name to ALS United Great New York, New Century Education Foundation, or Fairview Lake YMCA Camps. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences, memories, and stories may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.

James Isaac Griffin, IV

August 1, 1958 - January 21, 2026