John attended the College from Kinder to Form V, 1945 to 1955. He was joined by his brother Don (OGC 1953) and his father had also attended the school, John (OGC 1925).  At Senior School, John was a member of McArthur House and received multiple House swimming colours. He also played football. Following school, John would go on to work in the family business, JC Taylor & Sons for some years. The Ad Astra also reported in 1973 that John was a crew member for the ‘Dame Pattie” for the America’s Cup races.