I grew up in Mississippi- the middle of three brothers and an 8th generation Mississippian. Our family has long had ties to the woods: my grandfather owned a lumber mill in the small town of Roxie, Mississippi, and he built his home from wood produced at his mill. My great-grandfather also owned a mill.

At the age of seven, I began teaching myself how to handcraft solid wood longbows, and at the age of sixteen, I was admitted as the youngest-ever member of the Mississippi Craftsman's Guild. I am now a fellow with the Guild granting me lifelong membership.

After working for the US forest service in Colorado and Montana during college, I moved to Seattle, WA and worked as a carpenter and a craftsman.

While working in Seattle I met and married my wife, Katey. Once married our hearts warmed to the idea of moving south and opening a small business doing what I love...building heirloom furniture from local trees otherwise relegated as firewood or, even worse, destined for a landfill. Oxford, Mississippi was a natural fit for Katey and me and upon moving the vision started to become a reality. Roxie Woodworks was born.

John is currently taking commissions.