Dr. Timothy "Joel" Griffin

Dr. Timothy “Joel” Griffin, 40 years of age, was called home on October 29, 2020, after succumbing to injuries from a tragic car accident. Joel was born on November 9, 1979, to Iva Delena (Johnson) and Larry Don Griffin in Sikeston, Missouri. Joel was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Kara Louise (Kunkel), on July 9, 2005. To this union, three beautiful children were born: Sadie Joelie Griffin, Elam Louie Griffin, and Harper Louise Griffin. Joel graduated from Webb City High School in Webb City, Missouri. He furthered his education and completed his Bachelors Degree in Saxophone Performance at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri, his Masters Degree in Music Theory at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, and recently completed his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Music Education with a research emphasis in Jazz Studies from Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. Saxophonist, musician, composer and educator, Joel was a native of Southern Missouri. Joel’s talents as a gifted musician made him an in-demand performer, clinician, and adjudicator. Joel shared the stage with many jazz greats and musical performers including Grammy and Dove award winners. Music education was always important to Joel. He was the Director of Jazz Studies and Associate Professor at Evangel University. Throughout his music education career, Joel was also part of the faculty at Southwestern Assemblies of God University and Messenger College. Joel had given clinics at many high schools and colleges around the world. He was a member of several professional organizations including: MMEA, TJEA and NAfME. Joel loved his family and the time they spent together more than anything. He credited his family with being his biggest supporters. Joel also enjoyed cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals and coaching his son’s baseball team. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him. Even though Joel’s young life on earth was short, his talents and love for others will not be forgotten. His eternal love can be found in his young children and his marriage to Kara. Joel’s music ministry will live on for others to enjoy. Even upon his passing, he gave the gift of life by being an organ donor, helping provide those critically ill a new release on life with one being to aid young infants who are deaf the ability to hear and enjoy music, and most importantly, hear the good news of God’s love. Joel is survived by his wife, Kara; young children: Sadie, Elam, and Harper; his parents: Larry and Iva Griffin; sister: Hannah Griffin; in-laws: Ann Kunkel and Gary and Sue Kunkel; brothers and sisters-in-law: Travis and Kristin (Kunkel) Hoggatt, Josh and Kalea (Kunkel) Lehman, and Drew Kunkel and Mallorie. He is preceded in death by his grandparents: Louie and Georgia Griffin and Earl and Inez Johnson. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM at Evangel University Chapel, 1111 North Glenstone, Springfield, Missouri. Joel’s Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 PM. He will be laid to rest at Rosedale Valley Memorial Gardens, Nixa, Missouri. Services at the Evangel University Chapel will be livestreamed on the Evangel University YouTube page. Please note, due to COVID restrictions, masks are required to be worn during the services with social distancing. Spacing has been designated on the pews with half capacity in the chapel, however, additional overflow areas with livestreaming will be available. There will not be a respect condolence line after the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Assemblies of God Credit Union. agcu.generush.org Fund for the Griffin Family Care and arrangements have been entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. – DeGraffenreid-Wood-Crematory, Springfield, Missouri.