John and his beloved wife Betty began faithfully serving at SouthGate Church after they started attending in 1988. Betty, known for her unwavering heart for service, continued to serve even while courageously battling major health issues until her passing in 2022. Her legacy of faith and devotion lives on in the hearts of many.

Over the decades, John has served in numerous capacities—including Elder, Board Member, Worship Team, Construction Team, Young Married Group Leader, and Connect Group Leader. His passion for the church is rooted deeply in a lifetime of ministry, having grown up as a pastor’s kid. His professional background spans Music Education, Business Development, Marketing, and Mentoring.

John affectionately refers to himself as the “Oldest Elder” and finds joy in his retirement years by supporting SouthGate in any way he can. Whether cheering on the Eagles at school sporting events or offering a listening ear and wise counsel, John’s presence is a gift to all who know him.

John is a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—the first of three generations serving together at SouthGate. After the loss of his sweet Betty, John turned to God and asked, “What’s next?” The answer became clear: keep serving, keep mentoring, and keep building up the next generation.

With a strong background in high-level business leadership, John has a heart for mentoring—especially in helping others navigate the challenges of living a Christian life in an often unfriendly world. He shares not only wisdom from his professional experience but also the perspective of a spiritual father figure to those in need, whether connected by blood or simply by love.

Whether it’s offering counsel to someone struggling in their marriage or facing pressure at work, John is always ready to share truth, hope, and encouragement from a biblical perspective. His steady presence and servant’s heart continue to bless our church family in powerful ways.

One of his guiding life verses is Proverbs 3:5–6.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."