John was born in Seattle and lived his youth in Anacortes. He went to Nelson Grade School his first year and then his family moved to Sharpes Corner where he attended Fidalgo Grade School. He graduated from Anacortes High School in 1948.

When John was 15 years old, he started working for Fisherman's Pack during the salmon season. After graduation from high school, he decided to try salmon fishing in Alaska. He then attended Skagit Valley College and later transferred to Washington State College. While attending WSU his draft number came to the top of the list, so he joined the army. After his training he was stationed in Alaska where he was part of the Secret Code Department during the Korean War.

After John served his Army duties, he returned to Anacortes and worked in the Anacortes Pulp Mill. After a year he and his brother Bill decided to go mining for uranium in Utah. However, they did not strike it rich and so the two men returned home.

John's next move was to go back to college on the GI Bill. He graduated in 1958 with a bachelor's degree in communications. After searching for a job in his field of choice proved unsuccessful, he tried real estate. It was at this time he married his wife, Violet. Deciding real estate was not the career path he wanted to take, he returned to college and got a degree in education.

In the spring of 1960 both John and his wife were hired by the Mount Vernon School District. John discovered he loved teaching and taught sixth grade and coached the boys' basketball team at Madison Grade School for 31 years. John's love of basketball also led him to be the announcer of Mount Vernon High School's varsity basketball games for twenty-five years.

John leaves behind his wife Violet, daughters Karen (Barry), Norene (Jim), granddaughter Autumn and grandson Joe.

To share memories of John, please visit Evans Funeral Chapel website https://www.evanschapel.com/obituary/john-walton