John died April 4, 2006 at his home in Hubbard, Oregon. He was born on a farm near Alpha, MN, on November 14, 1923. He attended schools in Woodburn and Molalla and worked in the woods until he was drafted and served as a conscientious objector in the Civilian Public Service. His CPS service included smokejumping in Idaho and maintenance work in Glacier National Park. He had six fire jumps at McCall during the 1945 season.

The following 40 years John worked as a farm hand, factory laborer, construction worker, residential contractor, and excavator. He
also owned a small farm.

John actively participated with Christian missions and organizations devoted to helping others. He organized relief trips and traveled to Columbia, Mexico, Honduras and to various states in association with Mennonite Disaster Services.