[1] Born in Vienna, he was the only living son of Anton Florian, Prince of Liechtenstein and Eleonore Barbara von Thun und Hohenstein.

Johann Josef Adam served under his father for a short time during the War of the Spanish Succession and later fought against the French under the Duke of Marlborough.

On 1 December 1712, Joseph married firstly his cousin Maria Gabriele, Princess of Liechtenstein (12 July 1692 – 7 November 1713), daughter of Hans-Adam I.

On 3 August 1716, in Vienna, Joseph married thirdly to Maria Anna Katharina, Countess of Oettingen-Spielberg (21 September 1693 – 15 April 1729), daughter of Francis Albert, 1st Prince of Oettingen-Spielberg in 1734 (previously Count).

[2] They had five children: On 22 August 1729, Joseph married fourthly to Maria Anna, Countess Kottulinsky von Kottulin (12 May 1707 – 6 February 1788).