John was married on 31 October 1945 to Margaret Alma Connor (deceased 1994). They had four children: Catherine, Peter Edward, John Russell and Raymund Neil. All were born in Dunedin.

A family history has been compiled by John's daughter.

The army records record his date of birth incorrectly as 1907. The New Zealand Special Company was composed of roughly twenty picked men at any given time and was part of the Australian Special Service. The latter unit was engaged in clandestine operations against the Japanese in the Pacific and South East Asian Area between 1941 and 1945. However, the Special Service only commenced active operations against the Japanese after Pearl Harbour (ie December 1941. The Australian and New Zealand Army High Commands were aware of a looming conflict with the Japanese prior to Pearl Harbour and hence the Special Service was formed. Those who served in the Special Service Company prior to December 1941 were trained in Australia. AWMM