Joe is an elderly Crown City resident deeply connected to the community's past. He personally witnessed the city's environmental crisis two decades prior, triggered when Grings Kodai absorbed the Time Ripple's power, causing widespread plant decay. This event coincided with Celebi's disappearance. Joe shares a close friendship with Tammy, built on mutual memories of Celebi's earlier visits. He is also grandfather to Karl, a journalist actively investigating Kodai. Joe possesses specific knowledge of Crown City's infrastructure, recognizing the stadium's countdown clock as the Time Ripple's location based on historical awareness.

He owns a Mightyena, which exhibits a friendly nature despite being a Dark-type Pokémon. This Mightyena aids in locating Zorua during the investigation into Kodai. Joe is additionally linked to a Tangrowth, though this Pokémon primarily assists Tammy and is utilized to briefly subdue Zorua during the initial search.

Joe contributes directly to resolving the central conflict by joining efforts to stop the battle between Zoroark and the real Legendary Beasts: Raikou, Entei, and Suicune. His actions support protecting Celebi and the Time Ripple alongside Karl, Tammy, and Rowena. Joe also reappears in the film *Pokémon: I Choose You!*.