John was born in Evanston, IL, raised and still a resident of Skokie. He received his Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management from Miami University, Oxford, OH, where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and an officer on the Interfraternity Council. He subsequently attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science and later became a licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer and Certified Crematory Operator. He holds professional memberships in Selected Independent Funeral Homes, National Funeral Directors Association, Cremation Association of North America, Illinois Funeral Directors Association, Northeastern Illinois Funeral Directors Association and the Funeral Directors Services Association of Greater Chicago. Active in the community, John is involved with the Rotary Club of Skokie Valley, Past President of Skokie Chamber of Commerce, the Independent Merchants of Downtown Skokie, the Knights of Columbus and a member of St. Peter Catholic Church. John and his wife, Molly, have six children and three grandchildren.

In his free time, John enjoys golf, boating and giving back to his community.