John attended the Quaker High School, George School and then earned a BA in English at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, OH.
A true son of the wind, he experimented with careers in law enforcement, the United States Air Force, commercial real estate, and the Philadelphia Development Corporation, before ultimately earning his juris doctorate from Temple Law School.
He ran a private law practice in Troy for nearly 30 years while also operating a 61-acre farm where he raised pigs and collected a vast and impressive array of machinery and other "treasures". He carried on his love of adventure as he raised his twin sons,Geoff and Ross, instilling in them his love of words and keen interest in the wider world.
He will be remembered fondly for his wild stories, sharp wit, and thoughtful intellect. At the end of his life he suffered from Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome, sadly robbing him of much of his memory, but not of his kind heart and easy smile.
He passed quickly of heart complications while living with his wife in Clark, CO.
His last days wee spent taking walks, reading, and soaking in the sun and beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
John is survived by his wife Marge Gustin of Clark, CO; two sons, Geoff Hollister, Steamboat Springs, CO and Ross Hollister, Washington District of Columbia.
Funeral services will be private