Belleville, Staunton school leaders honor junior-high principal who recently died
A former junior high school principal in Belleville who took a new job this school year in Staunton has died.
John Griffith, the principal of Staunton Junior High School, died on Thursday night, according to a statement from the Staunton School District 6. His age and the cause of death were not released.
“John was very much loved by staff, students and the community here in Staunton,” interim superintendent Michael Kelly said in an interview.
Griffith was principal of Emge Junior High School in Belleville from 2018 to 2021, and he was the assistant principal at Emge and Harmony Intermediate School in 2017-18, according to a statement from Harmony-Emge School District 175.
Dave Deets, superintendent of Harmony-Emge School District 175, worked with Griffith for several years.
“I think what stood out the most with John is his genuine love of people, always positive and upbeat,” Deets said. “I’m going to remember John as having a caring personality and a genuine love for everyone.”
Staunton had a remote learning day on Friday because of the snowstorm that hit the region, but students are expected to return to in-person classes on Monday when counselors will be available.
“This unexpected tragedy brings a flood of emotions for everyone, including staff and students,” the district said in a news release. “The School District will have mental health professionals on site Monday morning available to speak with any student or staff member who wishes to seek counseling.
“Although John’s tenure with Staunton Schools was very brief, he left a positive impact on both the students and the community,” the news release said.
When Griffith joined the Staunton district in August, he posted a statement on the school’s website saying the town reminded him of Fairfield, where he grew up.
Along with his time in Belleville, Griffith worked at schools in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the Chicago area and Collinsville. He attended Eastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
He told the Staunton community that he lived in Maryville with his wife, Alicia, and his golden retriever puppy, Ozzy.
