John M. Morris was born on 2 April 1963 in Gallipolis, Ohio. He graduated from Meigs High School in Pomeroy, Ohio, in June 1981. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America, with Troop 249, Pomeroy, Ohio, in October 1980. John attended Ohio University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and was commissioned a 2Lt in the United States Air Force from Detachment 650, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, at Ohio University in June 1985.

He served in the United States Air Force for over 40 years as a military officer and civilian employee, retiring as a full Colonel in September 2013 after 28+ years of military service then retired as a GS-13 on the civilian side after 12+ years in December 2025.

He deployed as the Deputy Group Commander for the 447th Air Expeditionary Group to Baghdad International Airport in Iraq in 2006, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious leadership in a combat zone. He is the 2006 California Air Force Association US Air Force Reserve Command Field Grade Officer of the Year and received a Certificate of Recognition from the Honorable Leticia Castillo, 58th Assembly District, California Legislative Assembly, in January 2026 for his 40+ years of distinguished military and civilian service to his country.

John joined General George Stoneman Jr., Camp 18, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in June 2010. He served as the Junior Vice Commander and Senior Vice Commander and is now the Camp Commander for Camp 18. He is also the Commander for Company A, 1st California Cavalry (dismounted) Headquarters Guard, 6th Military District, Sons of Veterans Reserve.

John is married to the former Josie Fajardo Sabio of Misamis-Oriental Province, Republic of the Philippines. They have two daughters: Michelle, who is married to Matthew Cao; and Sarah, who is married to Jason Chao.

John and Josie reside in Winchester, California, with their dog, Sergeant Peppers.