John Joseph Griffiths Jr.

John Joseph Gri􀆯iths Jr., known to all as “Joe,” of Kahului, Maui, went home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 8, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. Joe was born on September 13, 1962, in Johnson City, New York, to the late John Joseph

Gri􀆯iths Sr. and Mary J. (O’Brien) Gri􀆯iths of Binghamton, New York. He was raised in Binghamton and, at the age of 15, moved to Honolulu, Hawaii with his mother. Joe was a proud graduate of Kaiser High School.

Joe shared nearly 30 years of marriage with his loving and devoted wife, Kristen K. Gri􀆯iths. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around family, hard work, adventure, and their

love for Maui. Joe was a highly skilled pig hunter who took great pride in mentoring young hunters throughout Hawaii. His own passion for hunting began at a young age when he was

mentored by Hunter “Bill” Mason of Endicott, New York. Joe carried that tradition forward throughout his life. He was also passionate about breeding and raising the best of the best hunting dogs, that brought him pure joy. Those who knew Joe will remember his unmistakable tough-guy voice, sharp sarcasm,

quick wit, and jokes that could catch you o􀆯 guard and leave you laughing. If Joe truly loved you, he made sure you it—usually through a sarcastic comment and a good laugh. He truly

was the “sharpest tool in the shed!” Joe spent more than 20 years working as a Teamster driver for Hawaii movie sets. Later, he

discovered another passion when he and Kristen, along with their ohana, started and operated Maui Mountain Activities. Joe loved the ranch life-the horses, the animals, and the everyday work and adventures that came with caring for them. Above all else, Joe loved his family. He adored his children and grandchildren and treasured every moment he could spend with them. Though he often carried a tough exterior, those closest to him knew the truth: Joe was full of love, laughter and generosity. To his grandchildren, he was nothing less than the biggest teddy bear.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Kristen K. Gri􀆯iths; his five children, Kelly Ann K. Gosselin(Joseph), John Joseph Gri􀆯iths III(Melissa), Shawna M. Kahoopii(Chad), Stetson D.

Lowry, and Michelle M. Gri􀆯iths; and his 13 grandchildren, Donnelle Leandro, Noelani Kahoopii, John J. Gri􀆯iths IV, Kaimana Kahoopii, Andrew Gosselin, Isaac Gosselin, Kailani Schae􀆯er, Makaia Gri􀆯iths, Anuhea Gri􀆯iths, Love Nachor-Respicio, Kahiauikapono Kahoopii, Hauolimaikalani Kahoopii, Michael Ballesteros and his great grand-daughter Elle Leandro.

He is also survived by his three sisters, Tia Nakanelua(Melvin), Patricia Muzek, and Kathy Gri􀆯iths, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who were blessed to know him. Joe leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories, laughter, and love. His strong spirit, quick humor, generous heart, and devotion to his family will never be forgotten. Though he may

no longer be by our side, his love will live on in the hearts of his wife, children, grandchildren, family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have called him “Joe.”

Services for Joe will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Ballard Family Mortuary, 440 Ala Makani Street, Kahului, HI 96732.

Visitation: 9:00 a.m. Service: 10:00 a.m. A private burial will follow at Makawao Cemetery.