Joseph was born on 12 Feb 1912 in Leeds to Solomon and Nettie nee Ginsberg. The family name was originally Blumenthall.

Joseph joined the RAF in Feb 1940 and married Sylvia Hurst at the beginning of 1941 in Leeds. He was killed in an accident on 9 Jun 1942. The details of which are unknown.

The Yorkshire Evening Post of June 12th reported the following:
LAC Joseph M. BLUM – 991354 –
Leading Aircraftman Joseph M. Blum (30), R.A.F., who was married a little over 12 months ago to Miss Sylvia Hurst, only child of Mr. and Mrs. S. Hurst, York Road, Leeds, has been accidentally killed.

Joseph’s death certificate states: ‘Injuries caused by an aircraft accident.’ His place of death is listed as Kempston.