John was born in Billings, Montana, and attended high school in Stanford, Montana, where he enjoyed playing basketball.
He attended Reed before transferring to the University of Montana, where he earned a degree in accounting and business administration. He served with distinction in the U.S. Air Force with the Fourth Fighter-Interceptor Wing in Korea. In 1957, he married Helen (Shelly) Moore in Helena, Montana, where they raised three sons. John was a partner with the accounting firm of Galusha, Higgins, and Galusha for 33 years; was an active member in the First Baptist Church, where he served as treasurer; and served as board member and president of the Lewis & Clark County Cancer Committee.
Upon retiring, John and Shelly enjoyed doing volunteer service for 11 years with the Mobile Missionary Assistance Program, an interdenominational organization of retired Christian RVers working throughout the United Stated for various Christian organizations. They also volunteered for several summers for the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, which included manning fire lookouts. In Salmon, they were active in the Meals on Wheels program. Survivors include his wife, Shelly; his sons Michael and Kirk; and his sisters Jill Sievers and Bonnie Croy.