John died October 23, 2017, following complications from heart surgery. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1958 with a degree in Industrial Management. While in college he joined ROTC and served in the active and Army reserves for 11 years attaining the rank of Captain.

John jumped at Missoula 1957-62 before moving to Denver where he worked with Samsonite Co. and the U.S. Small Business Administration. In 1967 he was transferred to Helena, Montana, where he worked until his retirement. He was active in the NSA Trails Program, Helena School District and the Helena Visitor Center.

A tribute to "Mike" was written by Don Courtney (MSO-56) and published in the January 2018 issue of Smokejumper.