John worked at Benson High School for 33 years beginning at age 25 and serving first as a math teacher, then counselor, vice principal and finally, principal (1998-2002). He was sent to Lincoln High School for one year as a VP, but all the rest of his time was spent at Benson. He retired from Portland Public Schools in 2002.

John attended Grout Elementary and he graduated from Cleveland High School in 1961 before going to PSU and Lewis & Clark.

Anne, his wife of 36 years, and other family members described John as a go-with-the-flow kind of guy. He was caring and calm. He had a deep faith and was not afraid to die. He just wanted to make sure everyone was going to be taken care of when he was gone.