After completing high school in Covington, Ohio, he enrolled in Miami Jacobs Business College. After graduating from college, John enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his tour of duty, he was stationed in Texas, Colorado, Illinois, California, Japan, Korea, and Montana.
After being discharged, John returned to Miami County, Ohio. He was employed by the BF Goodrich Corporation for several years. He then joined the Stolle Corporation and worked in time study.
He later moved to the Copeland Corporation, where he was employed for 37 years.