John attended Central College in Pella, Iowa. He graduated in 1953 and immediately thereafter served in the Army until 1955.  John completed graduate studies in History at the University of Iowa in 1959.

John accepted a teaching position at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.

In 1968, he and Joline and family were called back to Central College where he taught in the History Department, and she accepted a part-time position in the Art Department. He enjoyed a long career at Central until his retirement in 1993.

John also engaged in various service activities including 15 years as a volunteer counselor in the Senior Health Insurance Information Program of the State of Iowa. 

He is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years of marriage, Joline Dorothy (DeBoer) DeJong; his three children; five grandchildren; and one great granddaughter. John is also survived by a sister and a brother and his wife.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Services will be held at a later date.