Born in California at the end of World War II, John lived there until his father was transferred to Japan where he graduated from high school. He graduated from Nile C. Kinnick (YO-HI) where he excelled in track and field. He served with the US Army Special Forces for 13 years, then joined the US Department of State and served another 14 years. He has traveled to over 100 countries. He is a graduate of George Mason University with a BS Degree in Education and has a Master's Degree from the University of Leicester, UK. John is married to Joyce and they have 5 children. He and his wife are now retired and living in northern Florida.