On November 17, 2025, John S. Griset entered eternal life, passing peacefully at home with family close by—just as he would have wished. His children, Caitlin and Jack, were the center of his world, and he leaves them surrounded by the love of a large and caring family. John is held in memory by his daughter, Caitlin, and son, Jack; his older brother, Bruce, and sister-in-law, Masha; his nephew, Joseph; his younger brother, Scott, and sister-in-law, Jill; his nephew, Will, and niece, Emily; and his mother, Barbara.

Born on April 2, 1965, to Bruce and Barbara Griset, John grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with the kind of childhood that shaped his lifelong love of sports, spirited conversation, and lighthearted humor. He graduated from RJ Reynolds High School in 1983, went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—an affiliation he wore with pride—and later earned a Master's Degree in Marketing Management from the University of Dallas.

John's professional life was marked by curiosity, discipline, and reinvention. He began in newspaper advertising with the Durham Herald, eventually joining the Wall Street Journal in Dallas. In 1996, life surprised him in the best way when he met Tiffany Matlock. They married in 1998 and devoted themselves to raising Caitlin and Jack. Their marriage ended in 2013, but their commitment to their children remained steadfast.

Later, John built a successful insurance agency with Farmers, and in 2015 he discovered a calling in working with seniors—guiding them with patience and clarity as they navigated Medicare. It was work he took great pride in.

To those who knew him, John's sharp wit, strong opinions, and deep love of sports were part of his signature. If you ever watched a UNC basketball game or a Dodgers playoff run with him, you knew his enthusiasm was its own form of entertainment. One of his great joys was watching the Dodgers win their last two World Series titles, many of those games shared side-by-side with Jack. And this fall, he had the joy of attending a Baylor football game with Caitlin, Jack, and Jack's girlfriend, Abby—a game that ended in an unforgettable 14-point fourth-quarter comeback.

But where John shined most was in his role as "Dad." Coaching more than 15 of Jack's baseball teams, cheering him on in music, and being an unwavering supporter of Caitlin's theatre, band, and soccer years were among his proudest contributions. He taught Caitlin how to repair computers, encouraged Jack's creativity, and created countless "everyday moments" that the kids carry with them.

In recent years, John's faith became an anchor in his life. He found comfort and community in his relationship with Jesus Christ and was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in McKinney, Texas.

A memorial service will be held at CrossCreek Church on Saturday, November 22nd at 5 p.m. In honor of John's lifelong love for animals, the family asks that remembrances be directed to Operation Kindness - https://www.operationkindness.org/, a no-kill shelter that meant a great deal to him. Their facilities are full, and donations in John's name will help them continue their important work.

"If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." — Romans 14:8