James Griffin

James William Griffin, sometimes known as Street James or The Mayor of First Avenue (born c. 1958; died August 17, 2016 in Birmingham) was a homeless man known for washing cars and riding a bicycle in the downtown area, especially around the Loft District.

Griffin said that he had settled in Birmingham after touring with a circus. He befriended and exasperated numerous residents, business owners, and other persons who frequented the downtown area, including Dan Sartain, Melissa Kendrick and Chatham Hellmers. His self-built shelter under an expressway bridge was documented by photographer Melissa Springer in her 1997 book, Important Things.

Griffin was found dead from a gunshot wound to the arm near a mattress under the Elton B. Stephens Expressway on the 600 block of Carraway Boulevard. No suspect has been identified.

References

• Robinson, Carol (August 19, 2016) "Homicide victim found dead in Birmingham homeless camp now identified." The Birmingham News