John spent 2½ years majoring in Health and Physical Education from West Chester State College before changing his major to Criminal Justice and receiving his Associate Degree in Police Science. John has also received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Park College, a Master's Degree in Crime in Commerce from George Washington University, and a Master's in Biblical Studies from The Log College.

John has been involved with swimming from his youth and has completed all levels of the Red Cross Learn to Swim Program. He has been a WSI Lifeguard since 1975, teaching swimming at Summer Camps and giving private lessons.

John was an Assistant Swim Coach at Ravensworth Swim Club for 7 years. He has been an Assistant for 7 years and the Head Swim Coach for 4 years for Ravensworth's Winter Swim Program and continues to head the program. Also, he is a swimming instructor for the YWCA teaching the Learn to Swim Program.

John believes that the most important thing in swimming is teaching stroke technique first, then endurance and speed will come. Proper technique is the key to faster swimming. John is an accomplished athlete outside of swimming. In Football, he was on the Virginia State Championship Team in 1971. As a wrestler, he was 2nd in the state in 1971, 1st in Regions AAU and 6th in the Nation AAU Junior Olympics. In college, he was 2nd in Pennsylvania State Conference, and ranked in the top 4 of his weight class in the nation.

John is a former federal law enforcement officer with The United States Secret Service and is now retired. He is also a College Instructor in Criminal Justice at Park College, a Substitute Teacher in Fairfax County, and a Baptist Preacher.