John began climbing in 1983, and climbing very quickly became a passion that would define him. Quickly wanting the “sharp end”, he began to learn the craft of leading, and absorbed all available literature he could obtain on the subject. A quick study, he began establishing climbing routes with a ground up style that mirrored the views of the many legends that John admired. A few of these ground-up ascents remain unrepeated. He established numerous rock routes throughout Southern Illinois. Intent on becoming a true alpine climber, John also acquired ice tools and began leading and establishing ice routes as well. His established rock climbs range from 5.7 to 5.12c, from ground up scare-you-silly trad to fun-in-the-sun sport routes.
John ventured to Colorado to test the skills he had honed at his local crag, and climbed the stone that so many of the legends he had admired had climbed. Colorado soon became a favorite trip. A true renaissance man, he eventually began sport climbing, motivated by the enjoyment of good movement over stone.
In 1991 he learned that the Forest Service was involved in a land swap deal with the State of Illinois and that Cedar Bluff was to be transferred to the State which could have meant the loss of climbing access to one of John’s favorite areas, and where several of his routes exist. He summoned a meeting with the active climbers of the time and quickly established the Southern Illinois Climber’s Alliance. In that meeting John was chosen as president and through countless meetings with State and Federal land managers and politicians, climbing was grandfathered in at Cedar Bluffs. John pressed on to work with the Forest Service on projects at Jackson Falls getting the first kiosk and improvements to the parking lot and access road which resulted in the long dreaded bog getting fixed. John remained President until ICA was formed.
John owned a plumbing business for several years and later became a sales representative. John has spent many hours meeting with State and Federal agencies to ensure climbing continues in Southern Illinois.
