John was born in Louisville, KY on June 24, 1930. John moved to Fitchburg in 1945, where he attended Fitchburg High School. At the age of 18 he joined the U.S. Army serving with the 6th Armored Calvary 7th Battalion during the Berlin Airlift and the occupation of Germany. After 2 years in Germany John  was shipped out to Korea in September 1952. While in Korea he proudly served with the 73rd Tank Battalion, 7th Infantry Division and Ethiopian Battalion on outpost Erie and Arsenal. John attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and received 2 Bronze Stars for campaigns on Pork Chop Hill and was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” for valor “on the spot” during those campaigns.

John worked at the former Foster Grant Company as chief electrician until their closing in 1983. John was also was a real estate broker for many years continuing into his retirement. During his retirement he had the privilege of organizing and placing over 2000 Veteran Bricks at Carter Park and served as Commander of American Legion Post 151 for 10 years.