Ahmad Jamal Griggs, 44, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2021, after suffering a brief battle with Plasma Cell Leukemia. He was born May 24, 1976, to Hattie Mae Calhoun (Johnson) and James Dexter Griggs in Buffalo, NY. He attended Buffalo Public Schools and graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in 1995, where he was an outstanding student athlete, excelling in baseball, football, and basketball. He dominated the high school sports scene and was well-known throughout the city. In his senior year, as a star basketball player, Jamal broke many records, averaging over 32 points per game. Jamal attended Jamestown Community College. He graduated from the United States Recruit Training Command Bootcamp in Great Lakes, Illinois, in 1996. There he trained as a Navy Radioman. Jamal was a “natural born leader,” holding several roles including Chaplain, Master at Arms and Recruit Chief Petty Officer. Because of his many years of training as an athlete, his discipline, competitiveness, perseverance, and his attention to detail, he found it easy to excel. He was transferred to the Naval Station in Norfolk, Virginia and decided to make Virginia his home.
Jamal was predeceased by his mother, and great grandmother, Carrie Bell Griggs, whom he cherished. He leaves to treasure his memory, three sons, Donte, D’Vontae, step-son Dante’; one daughter, Dyana, and one step-grandson, Kyrie Griggs. His family was the joy of his life and he loved them with all his heart. He is survived by his father, James Dexter: brother, James; two sisters, Precious Johnson and Janah Griggs; grandmother, Olivia Cain of Buffalo, NY; grandfather, Melvin Short of Birmingham, Alabama; loving fiancé of eighteen years, Stephanie Harris; beloved aunt, Glenda Meeks of Buffalo, NY, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, with a viewing being held one hour prior to the service.
Interment will follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery.
The family has entrusted final arrangements to Wilson & Associates Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, VA.