Born and raised in Maple Grove, Minnesota, Captain Jason Robert Griffin graduated from St. Cloud State University in 1993. His passion was to become a commercial airline pilot. He began his aviation career at Crystal Shamrock Aviation in Crystal, Minnesota, where his family celebrated his first solo flight with him. He excelled in his aviation career and accomplishments in record time!

After graduating from college, he accepted the positon of First Officer with AirVantage Airlines. After logging hours, he moved to Mesaba Airlines (Northwest regional airline) as First Officer before being promoted Captain.

After earning pilot in command hours from Mesaba, he was offered and accepted a position in the "majors" with Northwest Airlines as Flight Engineer before moving up to First Officer.

Following the tragedy of September 11, 2001 (referred to as "9-11"), Jason was furloughed along with many other talented pilots. In order to remain connected to the aviation industry, he accepted a position with Transport Security Administration (TSA), a branch of Homeland Security, but always yearned to return to flying, his first love.

In March 2002, he was hired by Pinnacle Airlines (Northwest regional airline).

Unfortunately Jason passed away from cancer on September 15, 2003. He was only 32 years old.

Jason had many friends and was respected in the aviation industry as documented by comments entered in his on-line Legacy Book (http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/startribune/jason-r-griffin-condolence…): "His laid back and light heartedness made it a pleasure to work with and know him." "He was a great pilot and a wonderful person to spend the long hours in the cockpit with." "It is people like Jason that make me proud to be an Airline Pilot." "Jason's easy-going personality, humor and perpetual smile made every day a pleasure."

Nothing can fill the void that he has left in the hearts of his family, however, it is reading comments like this that remind us how special he was not just to his family, but his many friends.

Unfortunately Jason did not have any children to follow in his footsteps. However, Jason's niece, Kelly Akhund (George) inherited his love of aviation. They would have long conversations speaking the same "language". Kelly has the same passion for flight. She has become an accomplished pilot and on her own journey. Kelly and her husband, Danny, are listed on the Wall Of Honor directly under Jason's name.

A note from his parents sum up Jason and how much he is missed every day: "On September 15, we lost our son, he was only 32 years old. He accomplished many great things in his short lifetime. He was our pride and joy, an inspiration to many, a son that we were proud to say we were his parents. Words cannot express how much we will forever miss him."

Robert and Diane Griffin, parents
Barb and Lyle Koste, sister and brother in law
Lynn and Phil George, sister and brother in law
David and Julie Griffin, brother and sister in law

Wall of Honor engraving and profile submitted by Lynn and Phil George