John, known to coaches and friends as Crapes, attended the two room school at Oak Grove until junior high school, then Marshall Public Schools. In his junior year redistricting was done moving him to Harper Creek School District. However John elected to remain at Marshall High School. Graduating in 1971, John was on both the football and track teams for four years. In football he was all Twin Valley for 2 years as an offensive tackle and defensive end. In track he broke the school record for shot put in his sophomore year and still holds the record of 55 feet 1 1/2 inches. In his senior year he was 5th in the State for shot put, missing first place by inches. John was awarded the Bill Holt Award in 1971. John attended Ferris State for one year.
John has lived in Marshall his entire life. Married in 1979 to Sue Eichler and having two great kids, Karen and Matt both graduating from Marshall. In January of last year John and Sue celebrated their first granddaughter Christina.
Having worked in Marshall for years John now enjoys retirement. He is active in Marshall United Methodist Church.