John B. Sassaman
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
1stHighest Military Rank
SergeantTomb Dates
Jan 1971 - Nov 1971Society Membership
Founding FatherHome City / State
Grosse Pointe, MICurrent City / State
Northville, MIObituary
John Sassaman moved from Pennsylvania to Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan in 1951 at the age of 7. After high school he joined the U.S. Army and was sent to Arlington Cemetery to serve as an honorary guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Following his service to our Country, John attended and graduated from the Detroit School of Mortuary Science. The care, devotion and respect he demonstrated in the Army was put to good use in this new career, working with grieving families.
John moved to Northville in 1986 and purchased the funeral home on Seven Mile and Northville Roads. He immediately settled into the community, where his passion for serving was evidenced through his participation in groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Civic Concern and Habitat for Humanity. He even joined the City of Northville Fire Department.
In 2010 John was diagnosed with cancer. As the treatments began to take their toll, John was no longer able to serve families the way he wanted to. So, in 2014 he sold his funeral home to the Griffin family, knowing that they would proudly continue what he had worked so hard to establish.
John will be remembered as a caring, kindhearted man who put service to community at the forefront of his life. The Griffin Family is proud to continue John's legacy, promising to provide care, empathy and respect to the people of the Northville area.
Outside Tributes
TributeMemories & Condolences
Share a Memory
Units & Campaigns
3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)Awards & Decorations
National Defense Service MedalArmy Service Ribbon
Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge
Support the Society
The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) is able to provide our programs, events, assistance, scholarships, and services due to the generosity of its members, organizations, and individuals. SHGTUS does not receive institutional funding. Note: The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions may be fully tax deductible.
Learn More
Did you know?
Is it true after two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as Guard of the Tomb, that there are only 600 presently worn, and that the Guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin?
The Tomb Guard Identification Badge (TGIB) is awarded after the Sentinel passes a series of tests. The TGIB is permanently awarded after a Sentinel has served nine months as a Sentinel at the Tomb. Over 600 have been awarded since its creation in the late 1950's (on average 10 per year). And while the TGIB can be revoked, the offense must be such that it discredits the Tomb of the Unknowns. Revocation is at the 3rd Infantry Regimental Commander’s discretion and can occur while active duty or even when the Sentinel is a civilian. The TGIB is a full size award, worn on the right pocket of the uniform jacket, not a lapel pin.
