Valley Center, California - John was born to Irish immigrant parents in Detroit Michigan on March 19, 1930.  He attended Catholic schools through college, gaining his Bachelor's degree at University of Detroit.  He got his Master's degree at Stanford University during his professional career.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War conflict.

Born during the Depression years meant the family suffered financially.  As a very young child John did any odd chore for a few cents to help the family.  He was the oldest of five children.  He began caddying at the Detroit Country Club at fourteen years old, earning fifty cents carrying golf bags for 18 holes.  This led to his love for the game of golf.

John's business career began at Ford Motor Company, then Kaiser Jeep, Triumph Motorcycles, Olin Ski Company, and Daiwa Corporation.  It was there that he made Daiwa Golf successful; prior to that they were known primarily for their fishing tackle.  He was lured over to Lynx Golf Company and was instrumental in growing the company and putting their logo on the map.  Fred Couples and Ernie Els were two of the stars he signed to endorsement contracts at Lynx.

During the past several years John fought several health issues and incurred numerous surgeries.  His battle was lost on October 25, 2019 at his home in Pauma Valley, CA.  He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Joanne; son Joseph and his wife Michele; grandchildren Kyle and Diana.  He is predeceased by their daughter, Anne.

Funeral is November 7, 2019 at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Valley Center, CA.