A four-sport standout at Marshall High School and the Twin Valley in the mid-sixties, John participated in football, basketball, track & field and baseball. John started as quarterback for 3 years, earning the Most Valuable Player award in 1966. He was an All-Conference basketball player and All-Conference in baseball all 4 years. He was the first freshman to earn Twin Valley All-Conference honors. John was conference, regional and state champion in the 100 and 220-yard dash and was named to the Detroit News All-Class, All-State Track Team in 1967. John received the Bill Holt Award his senior year.
After graduating with high academic honors, John declined a scholarship to play baseball at Michigan State University to attend Harvard University where he was a 3-year letter winner in track & field. He was named to the All-Ivy League Outdoor Track & Field Team in 1970. John later attended the University of Virginia Law School. John is retired from a long and successful law career and has served on numerous non-profit boards. He currently lives in Grand Rapids with his wife Judith and remains a big Marshall supporter.