John was from the beginning a natural born cowboy. Back in the old days Spiro, OK held a weekly calf roping event for several years and John grew up in that environment. He loved the sport so much that he began hosting benefit ropings and fundraisers from his own Roping Arena. His dedication for helping those in need is what Cowboys throughout the region remember John by. In High School he was a member of the FFA, and played football. Cattle and Horses were a part of his everyday life. He was well liked by the community, and held the position of President of the Spiro School Board for 20 years. In the Rodeo World he was a member of PRCA,USTRA, World Series Team Roping Assn, Coors Original Assn., and Gold Card holder of the International Pro Rodeo Assn. In all this he still took time to attend the local Methodist Church. He worked hard to make a living, and you could tell by his lean ruff-cut genteel cowboy appearance. To sum it up, he was just a friendly guy.
