After his early schooling he left the North-East. He attended St Francis College, Liverpool, and De La Salle College, Manchester, where he studied biology and chemistry and later qualified as a teacher.

John married Anne Stephenson at St Joseph's RC Church in Blackhall on December 22, 1973.

The couple moved to Consett, in County Durham, where John taught science and mathematics at secondary school level for 18 years.
He left teaching and joined Barclays Bank. He later became a prison officer, latterly working at Holme House prison at Stockton where he earned £25,000 a year.

He and his wife, Anne, a doctor's receptionist, also ran a bed-sit business. Anne also worked at medical practices in Durham, at Gilesgate and Bearpark, earning £17,000 a year.

The couple moved to Seaton Carew in December 2000 after buying two seafront Victorian homes at The Cliff.

In January 2002, two months before his disappearance, he wrote on the Friends Reunited website: "After leaving St Francis went to De La Salle College, Manchester, where I did biology and chemistry. Taught in Derwentside for 18 years before leaving teaching to join Barclays Bank.

"At present, work for Prison Service and have portfolio of properties.

Married to a convent girl Anne Stephenson. We have two sons and two dogs. Recently moved to Seaton Carew where I hope to retire soon."