John was a co-owner of Dakota Business Center, and also worked at Cummings and Roll Insurance. He served in the South Dakota State Legislature from 1984-1996. He held Republican leadership role as majority whip from 1987-1992. He also served on the Executive Board and was Chairman of the Commerce Committee. He held a Republican leadership role as majority whip from 1987 through 1992. In that position, he helped win approval in 1989 for legislation to create the video lottery system in South Dakota that has provided more than $1 billion in state revenue.In 1993, he went to work for Sodak Gaming, and in 2002 moved to Reno, and worked at International Game Technology until he retired in 2005. While in Reno he was very active in his church, St. Rose of Lima, and loved to ski at Mt. Rose almost every day during the winter.

He is survived by his wife, Kristen; daughter, Gyda; son, Jeffrey (Karla); and two grandchildren, Harlow and John Eddy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Gail Kelley; his nephew, Matthew McDonald; and a grand-niece and nephew.
Services will be Tuesday, Februay 12, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Memorial services will be Tuesday, February 19, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Rapid City. A memorial has been established to the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Arrangements are with Final Wishes Funeral Home.