John has been a continual field trial participant since 1966 and a 40-year member of the Ohio Valley Retriever Club, a member of the Labrador Retriever Club, and a member of the Maumee Valley Retriever Club. He competed in 13 Nationals and 24 Amateur Nationals, winning the 1981 National with FC-AFC Orion's Sky.

John has owned 8 dogs in 40 years, starting them all as puppies. Among them were four FC-AFC's, 3 Double-Header winners, and 1 National Champion. All of them had Derby points, while six of them made the Derby list; two of them, who were not field champions, had all-age points. It is doubtful that anyone in this sport has such a record with only eight dogs that were trained and handled by himself -- an amateur in the truest sense of the word.

He is an 8-point judge and judged innumberable trials across the country. His trials are known for the quality of the tests and the fairness of the judgements. He has absolute standards of honesty and fair-play in judgeing and running, and is well know for his frankness and honesty. He judged the Amateur National in 1987 and created a checklist for national judges that is still used by some today. That list eliminates public bickering and reaches agreement prior to the trial on areas that may be a source of conflict amongst the judges.

John has encouraged and started many young people in training and running their own dogs. Many have attributed their success to his teaching and encouragement. John's accomplishments are not shown in offices held, but in the admiration and respect of the people who know him and the success of his dogs in competition.