Chicago painter and decorator, and life member of Local Union No. 147, Brotherhood of Painter, Decorators and Paperhangers of America.
James Shores Griffith was born October 6, 1891, in Chatham, New Jersey. His maternal grandfather, George W. Hull, his father, Charles Henry Griffith, and his older brother, Charles H. Griffith, Jr., were all employed as painters and decorators. In 1909, at age 18, Griffith became a painter's apprentice as part of the Painter's District Council No. 14 of Chicago, working under his father for three years. On December 17, 1912, Griffith was initiated as a journeyman member of Local Union No. 147, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, in which he would serve for fifty-seven years, becoming a life member. In 1918, Griffith enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the American Expeditionary Forces in France during World War I. He married Thora M. Carlson on May 20, 1918, and lived on the north side of Chicago with her and their three children. Griffith died on December 1, 1971 in Chicago.
From the description of James Shores Griffith papers, 1882-1971 (bulk 1912-1969) (Newberry Library). WorldCat record id: 692199241
