Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, John came to Canada in 1973 to pastor a congregation in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In 1983 John came to Camrose to serve at Gardner College, where he served as Campus Chaplain, Instructor, Dean and President until he retired in 2006. During his time in Camrose, he became a Canadian citizen.

John completed his undergraduate studies at Anderson University (Anderson, Indiana) with a degree in English Literature and certification in secondary education. He completed a Master of Religious Education and a Master of Divinity at the Anderson School of Theology. While in Winnipeg, he completed a Master in Pastoral Psychology at the University of Winnipeg. After arriving in Camrose, John completed a Master in Education Administration and also all of the course work toward a Doctor of Philosophy in Education Administration, at the University of Alberta Faculty of Education. John discontinued his studies when he left Gardner College. He was awarded a Doctor of Divinity by Warner Southern University in Lake Wales, Florida.

During his years in Camrose John served with the Rotary Club of Camrose, including two years as President. He also served on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, including a term as President. He has sought numerous ways to make a contribution to the City of Camrose. Prior to becoming a City Councillor, John led the successful $3 million fundraising campaign for the Edgeworth Centre. John is married to Nancy Howard, Systems Administrator for the Bethany Group of Camrose, and has two adult children, Christopher and Anjah, both making their home in Camrose.

Councillor Howard has been appointed to the following Boards, Commissions, and Committees:

• Social Planning Advisory Committee
• Camrose and District Support Services