John Parker entered active service in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1960 to 1964, attaining the rank of Corporal. After his active duty, he enlisted int the Illinois Air National Guard, serving 14 years. He earned accolades at each level: Outstanding Junior NCO and Senior NCO of the Year. In 1991 he joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve, serving an additional 7 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant (E-7) after 25 years military service.

Along with his Illinois National Guard service, he served in his community of Peoria as a First Responder, progressing up another ladder to becoming the Fire Chief of Peoria. He became a founding member of the Peoria Chapter of the International Association of African American Firefighters. He also served on the Trustee Board of the Ward Chapel A.M.F. Church of Peoria and the Board of the American Red Cross of Peoria. As a result, he was inducted into the Peoria African American Hall of Fame and awarded the “Applaud Peoria” for Dedication to Community Service from the Peoria Chamber of Commerce. Later, he was recognized again with the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Service and Leadership Award, as well as the George Washington Carver Association award as a Role Model.

Early in his life he joined the Prince Hall Freemasonry Henry Brown Lodge No. 22. He earned 32 Mason and was also a Nobel of the Ancient Order of the Mystic Shrine.

John was recruited and hired as a Battalion Fire Chief for Los Angelas County, California. When the city of Pomona, California was looking for a Community Fire Chief they hired him as the Pomona Fire Chief.

After relocating to the West Coast, John continued to serve Veterans and was awarded the VFW award for Meritorious and Distinguished Service by the VFW of Pomona. After 34 years of military and fire service, John retired and moved to Savannah.

Of course, John continued to serving in his community, resulting in being president if the 100 Black Men of Savannah Chapter, a National youth mentoring and college scholarship organization. He also became heavily involved in the Chatham County Veteran’s Community by joining several organizations. He began as a member of the American Legion Post 500 and worked his was to becoming Post Commander for 9 consecutive years. As the Post Commander her maintained 100% membership 8 of the 9 years he was in office and no one has worked harder to rebuild the home of William P. Jordan Post 500.