Joseph K. Griffis, Jr.
Feb 12, 1928 - Mar 2, 2008

Griffis, Lt. Col. Joseph K., Jr. (USMC ret.), 80, of Pompano Beach , FL died on March 2, 2008 after a courageous battle against lung cancer. Following a distinguished military career, Dr. Griffis spent the latter part of his life as a psychologist, counselor, mentor and advocate helping many individuals overcome seemingly insurmountable problems in their lives. Col. Griffis was born in Vergennes , VT on February 12, 1928 to Joseph & Mildred (Taber) Griffis. He left home when he was 15 to join the United States Marine Corps. Told he was too young to go to war, he joined the U.S. Maritime Service instead, sailing on the Atlantic Convoy Route . At 16, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, and served in the South Pacific during World War II. He was later sent to Officer Candidate School , and led troops in the Korean War and during two tours in Vietnam . Being a "Mustang officer" (a former enlisted man), he continued to see himself as a "grunt"; this made an essential difference in his connection to his troops and their connection to him. He was a leader by example. After 28 years of service to his country, he retired in 1972. Not too long ago upon seeing him in uniform with all his medals, someone remarked that he was either a hero or an imposter. Joe was the real deal. He took his responsibility to family, community and country seriously and acted commensurately. He was a strong proponent of education for everyone and set the example by earning his Associates, Bachelors, two Masters and a Doctorate. He taught in many venues, including University of Louisville, Adelphi, Pontifical Universidade, Catolico (Rio de Janeiro on a NIMH grant), and presented workshops and seminars. He had a private group psychology practice in Burlington , VT from which he retired in 1989. At that time, he and his wife went to Rio de Janeiro , Brazil where he taught English, computer proficiency, did hotel and other institutional security evaluation and sold insurance to foreign diplomats. He loved Rio , and would have returned in a moment if given the opportunity. In 1991, he and his wife moved to south Florida so that she could pursue her education. How many husbands follow their wives like that?? He did taxes for several years to relieve the boredom of retirement and worked part-time as a psychological evaluator and counselor. He came out of retirement, again, to work as a counselor at the Vet. Center in Key Largo , FL then transferred to Lake Worth , FL. Until his final retirement two years ago, he was the team leader at the Vet. Center in Lake Worth . The unique combination of his military experience, professional training as a psychologist and a social worker, and his innate ability to "read", relate to, and motivate people enabled him to counsel veterans extremely effectively. Hurting veterans build walls; he helped them and their families build bridges. He carried these skills and abilities to battalion and other military reunions where he offered unconditional help to participants. We will miss the man we laughingly called "Colonel Doctor Sir" (salute). His first wife, Dorothy Richmond (Gahan) Griffis, predeceased him in 1973. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Frances (Waters) Griffis; five children: Joseph Griffis, III, Janet (Oscar) Zuniga, Noel (Hector) Cruz, Maureen (Col. Mark) Fields, and Patrick Griffis; four stepchildren, James (Lynn) O'Daniel, Catherine O'Daniel, Nancy (Michael) Zimmer, and Sharon O'Daniel (Jason Fearon); his sister, Diana (John) Tiedemann; thirteen grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church (The Pink Church), 2331 NE 23rd St. , Pompano Beach , FL on Monday, March 10th at 1:00 pm followed by a Celebration of his Life. Inurnment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery . In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the "Joe Griffis Memorial Fund", 6231 PGA Blvd., P.O. Box 104 - 399, Palm Beach Gardens , FL 33418 , which will benefit the Vet. Center. Arrangements entrusted and under the care of: Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center 200 N. Federal Hwy. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Published in the Sun-Sentinel on 3/9/2008.