Michael Jon Griffith

Michael Jon Griffith, 83 of Oxford, Ohio passed away peacefully May 20, 2024.  He was born in Cherokee, Iowa on December 7, 1940 to Dale and Maisel (Bowers) Griffith.  He attended both Kenwood Elementary School and Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa graduating in 1959. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa, in 1963 with a B.A., emphasizing Theatre and English with a minor in Art. On June 15, 1963, he married his best friend, Kay (Hampel) Griffith.

Michael received his graduate degree from the University of Iowa, and joined the Theatre faculty there in 1965, where he taught and designed scenery and lighting until moving to Miami University in 1971.  At Miami, he designed, directed, and taught Scenic Design, Technical Theatre and Stage Makeup, as well as Graduate Seminars on various playwrights until his retirement in 2003.

Michael loved teaching, mentoring and advising, and was proud of his students as they moved on to productive and creative careers.  Many remained in touch with him on a regular basis.  He made differences for many, which have been passed down to others. When asked why he chose Theatre, his immediate response was, “I had so many interests I didn’t know where to turn, until I discovered that working in Theatre allowed me to be a professional dilettante and get paid for it!”

In retirement Michael maintained his numerous interests; building furniture, continuing free-lance design work, cooking, and photography.  Michael became very involved in Miami’s Learning in Retirement program as a participant, teacher and Chair of the Board; noting that, in his opinion, the program was “one of the greatest undiscovered buffets in Ohio.”

Michael is survived by Kay, his wife of sixty years, daughter Laura Austin, son-in-law Major General Eric Austin, USMC, grandsons 2ndLt. Bryce Austin, USMC and Marshall Austin, daughter-in-law, Lauren Miller, PhD, and grandsons Harper and Roland Griffith.  He was preceded in death by his son Cameron S. Griffith.

Memorial services will be held later this summer.

Donations can be made in his memory to:

Miami University, Learning in Retirement program

Judy C Macke: Program Director

106 MacMillan Hall
531 E. Spring Street
Oxford, OH 45056

PH 513-529-8500

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