At the age of 11 he migrated to Akron, Ohio with his family.  He was a graduate of Garfield High School and enlisted in the Army soon afterwards.  He worked for BF Goodrich and retired from the National Parks Service.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Joe, Yvonne and Ruth.  John leaves behind four dedicated children; Gregory Sr. (Stacy), Valen, Johnetta and John Edward; grandchildren; Gregory Jr, Gabriel, Garnett and Grant; dedicated lifelong friend Dorothy and extended children Yonnie, Korde and Edwardwade.