J. Donald "JD" Griffith Jr.

J. Donald "JD" Griffith Jr., 78, of Johnstown, passed away on September 30, 2022.  Born December 18, 1943, in Johnstown, Pa. 

He is survived by his wife, Brenda (Hutchinson) and daughter Nina Hammer (Nathan), and sisters, Colleen Reffner (Johnstown, Pa.) and Veil Griffith (Johnstown, Pa.), niece, Tara Reffner and nephew, Philip Griffith. JD was preceded in death by his parents J. Donald “Bud” and Mary Jane (Veil) brothers, George and Jerry, and beloved daughter, Marah. 

After growing up in Johnstown he spent a year at Valley Forge Academy and then transferred to Blair Academy in Blairstown, NJ where he excelled and set records in the swimming program, graduating in 1962. He graduated from Villanova University, Villanova, PA for both undergraduate and graduate school where he received a master’s degree in microbiology. JD and Brenda owned and operated Cabbages and Kings, a popular, eclectic retail boutique in Vail, Colorado for 13 years. Upon returning to Western Pennsylvania, he established the financial planning firm, Griffith Investments.

He was very involved in fundraising for Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Research Foundation. Both he and his daughter, Marah, suffered from CMT. He was involved with fundraising for the Foundation and worked tirelessly on their behalf.  He volunteered for the Johnstown Concert Ballet. JD particularly enjoyed performing at Christmastime as the grandfather in The Nutcracker; he also loved cutting a rug on many local dance floors. He was fond of biking, skiing, and motorcycle racing. He was a regular at the Johnstown YMCA pool and competed in the Senior Division. He was a bit of a daredevil and avid biker, (and founding member of the Main Line Tweed Cycle Club). While living in Colorado, it was not unusual for JD to bike to the top of Vail Pass and come flying back down the mountains just as he would on the slopes in the winter. Another sight to behold was seeing JD winning Scrambles dirt track races on his 175cc Bultaco. JD had an extremely clever and inventive mind but loved all things nonsensical. He was well known among his many friends for his engineering complex and humorous gifts to celebrate landmark occasions. Halloween was a special holiday for JD, especially when shopping for and picking out his costume.  Laughter was one of his favorite things, which led to his interest in performing stand-up comedy later in life. Always a lover of fun, JD was always spinning a tale, dancing the two-step at a party, and making you laugh. 

A celebration of life will be held on a future date.  Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Charcot-Marie Tooth Association at PO Box 105 Glenolden, PA 19036.  

‘The time has come the Walrus said, 
     To talk of many things: 
Of shoes - of ships - and sealing wax - 
    Of cabbages - and kings -
Any why the sea is boiling hot - 
    And whether pigs have wings.” 

Lewis Carroll/Alice in Wonderland

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