James Shirley Griffin

James Shirley Griffin, age 94, of Macon, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A private memorial service remembering Shirley will be held for close family at a later date.

Known to some as Shirley, to some as James, and some as Jim, Shirley was born in Ocilla, Georgia, to the late Richard and Van Griffin. He was the most positive man you would ever meet, acting with generosity and care to close friends and strangers alike. Anyone who encountered him, whether for a short or long time, was happy to have met him. Shirley, alongside his wife, Allene, opened a small dress store on Gray Highway in Macon in 1966 called Mode World. Later, Mode World would become a corporation that started the following businesses: Man’s World, Fashion Mart, and The

Uncommon Market. Mode World purchased and operated The Fashion Floor of the Joseph N. Neel department store in downtown Macon. It also purchased and continues to operate Barnes Furs.

With all his success in business, he also took time to serve on several charity and community boards, always believing in Macon and its community. To me, his greatest accomplishment was being the best father anyone could imagine. Shirley had a long, amazing life and will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

In addition to his parents, Shirley is preceded in death by his wife, Allene Griffin; sister, Edith Griffin; and brother, Hollis Griffin. He is survived by his son, Ben Griffin (Selina) of Macon; as well as nephews, Rick Griffin; Reg Griffin; and Donny Griffin.

The family asks, if you feel inclined, that memorial donations be sent to Kitty City Cat Rescue, 4530 Knight Road, Macon, GA 31220; 478-305-7799. Donate securely through PayPal at the PayPal address, kittycitymacon@gmail.com.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences. Hart’s on Cherry Street, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 765 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201 has charge of the arrangements.