John was born and raised in Baltimore Maryland. He worked for B&O Railroad before moving to California. Where he started his career in Fire Protection, first as a business owner and then with Los Angeles County Fire Department. John loved the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. He was also an avid gardener and had a passion for cars and motorcycles. He could fix anything! John is survived by his wife Lois Lewis, mother Ethel Buchanan, daughters; Sheri Aspen, Lisa VanMaanen, Cary Yazawa, Tracy Stringer, Cynthia Wygant and Christine Lewis; His 6 siblings, and his many grandchildren and great-grand children.