John Griffith

John Ikerd Griffith; age 54, passed away unexpectedly to be with Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ sometime Friday night at his temporary residence in Slidell, Louisiana, yet it was not until early Saturday morning on September 18, 2021 when someone noticed he did not pick up his roommate from work.

John was born on Tuesday, March 28, 1967, the youngest of four children to his parents, Velma I. and William Charles Griffith in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  John was a beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and a dear friend to many.

As a child, John loved to explore the swamp, play soccer, enjoyed Taekwondo, and even rode his bicycle to his first job at Mande’s Restaurant close to his family home at the age of thirteen.  Throughout high school, John was known for his big heart and making others laugh.  John loved to share his passions for music of all genres, the New Orleans Saints, the Atlanta Braves, and enjoyed watching auto racing.

After graduating Mandeville High School in 1986, John held all kinds of jobs from working construction, being a chauffeur, to collaborating with several well-known chefs.  John’s love for cooking took him to several places over his lifetime from Kurt’s River Manor in Duluth, GA., Artesia in Abita Springs, LA., La Provence in Lacombe, LA., and Mike’s on The Avenue in New Orleans.  One of his proudest moments was his invitation to work and cook at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and the 1995 Baseball World Series games in Atlanta, Georgia.

The last few years of life, John found himself walking in the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ while at the Giving Hope Retreat Center in Lacombe, LA., and beyond.  His passion for the Life that Jesus offered him resulted in others experiencing and surrendering to the everlasting love of Christ before God took him home.

John was survived by his siblings, Janie Griffith (Roy), William Griffith, Jr. (Cindy), and Jennifer Griffith; nephews and niece, William Griffith, III, Evan Griffith, and Krystal Anne Castaneda, along with many loving cousins and friends who will all dearly miss him and cherish his memory.

John’s parents preceded him in death along with his grandparents Nora A. Ludlow and Myrick Green Ikerd, Philippa B. Ledyard and Warren Abner Griffith.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for everyone’s love, support, and prayers during this difficult period.

The arrangements were under the care of Bagnell and Son Funeral Home, 75212 Lee Road, Covington, LA. 70435, and the interment will be at the Pinecrest Memorial Gardens, 2280 W. 21st. Avenue, Covington, LA. 70433.  A celebration of life will occur on a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests making memorial (donations) to the Giving Hope Retreat at www.neworleansmission.org/donate in memory of John Ikerd Griffith.