John founded and has run the Phoenix, Arizona support group since 1989. He is married to his "beautiful bride" Makiko for 31 years, and they have one child, Takashi, who is 25 years old. John states that his challenge with AS has gone on for 43 years.

John retired as an Agent Emeritus from Prudential Financial after 28 years of service on December 31st, 2006, and he says that most people would consider him as a double dipper since he still works as an agent for his company in retirement.

John enjoys such hobbies as genealogy, photography, reading, hiking/walking, traveling and woodworking. John says that most of his free time is taken up with volunteer work as the Chairperson of the Development Council at his parish St. Jerome. He also sings in 2 choirs, is a member of the Austrian Society of Arizona, a member of the organizing committee for the Phoenix Old World Oktoberfest (AC4GC) and Board Member & Village Coordinator for the Donauschwaben Village Helping Hands Project.

John has a Masters Degree in International Management (MIM) in the subject area of International Insurance & Finance from Thunderbird - The American Graduate School of International Management.