John was born in Whiteland, IN and began a long career as an actor at an early age as Frosty the Snowman.  He performed in high school musicals and played various musical instruments.  John served in the US Coast Guard, returning to acting in his college and adult life. His repertoire of performances was extensive, including Classical, Renaissance Shakespeare, Modern Drama, Contemporary Drama and Musicals.  John often auditioned with a favorite speech from "As You Like It."  It tells of life and our passing through.

All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first, the infant, mewling and puking in the nurse's arms.
Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel and shining morning face, creeping like snail unwillingly to school.

And then the lover, sighing like a furnace, with a woeful ballad made to his mistress' eyebrow.

Then a soldier, full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel, seeking the bubble reputation even in the cannon's mouth.

And then the justice, in fair round belly with good capon lined, with eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances; and so he plays his part.

The sixth age shifts into the lean and slipper'd pantaloon, with spectacles on nose and pouch on side;
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide for his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice,

Turning again toward childish treble, pipes and whistles in his sound.

Last scene of all, that ends this strange eventful history, is second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.

-Shakespeare, "As You Like It"

John was capable of endless love, of which I was a fortunate recipient. I will love and miss him every day of my life- Clare

In lieu of flowers John would have appreciated donations to either the Phoenix Theater or the Humane Society of Indianapolis .

A memorial service will be held in Indianapolis, IN and will be announced in the near future.