John's family has been in the Midland area for generations. John attended Port McNicoll Public School and Midland Secondary School before completing his undergraduate degree in History and English Literature at Queen's University in 2003. He then attended the University of Windsor Law School and obtained his LL.B. in 2006. John articled at Aird & Berlis LLP, a downtown Toronto law firm, before being called to the bar in 2007.

John is the current President of the Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce and has served on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Simcoe / Muskoka (where he continues to volunteer his time). He tries to stay in shape by playing hockey and golfing whenever he can.

John, his wife Sarah and their three children live in Midland.