Education: West Tallahatchie H.S., 1966; Belhaven College (B.S.B.A.)1970; Jackson School of Law (now Mississippi College Law School)(Juris Doctor) 1975.

Member: ARRL, NRA, MVPA, Sumner Rotary Club (past president).

Occupation: Attorney, former Municipal Judge (past 25+ years), former Admin. Appeals Judge (8 years), former Youth Court Judge (4 years), Currently County and Municipal Prosecutor, served one term on the Mississippi Board of Bar Commissioners (1980-84), now Tallahatchie County Prosecutor; also currently have a tree farm (500 acres) and other farm, timber and land interests.

Other: Colonel (O-6), Mississippi State Guard, (Retired, 2005); Fire Chief, Sumner Volunteer Fire Department (formerly Chief Engineer for 20 years); Former Former State Director, Mississippi Army MARS Program, Eagle Scout.

Hobbies: Amateur Radio (licensed since 1970), Firearms Collecting and shooting, Military Vehicle Restoration, Military Radios and related equipment, Boating, Hunting, Fishing, and BarBeQue Cooking.

Married to Mona Tharp Whitten (W5MTW) since 1978; two sons, John IV (9-21-80) and Robert, (8-8-83), and a pet raccoon, Prissy, (8-?-2003).