John is a 1967 graduate from Regis High School and president of Nelson Electric Company in Cedar Rapids. He and his wife, Donna, are parents of seven children, all educated at Regis or Xavier. John has been an outstanding supporter of Catholic education and was president of the Regis Board of Education for four years. John has served on St. Matthew's Parish Council and held numerous leadership roles in the Regis Alumni Association and Foundation fundraising campaigns. John was also chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee during the construction of Xavier High School.