John was born and raised in Chattanooga. He was active in the Boy Scouts growing up and earned his Eagle Scout Award. In law school, John earned the Book Award in his estate planning class for the highest grade. Prior to joining his father's law practice in 2002, he worked for two years with UBS Trust Company (formerly Bradford Trust Company).
John speaks on the areas of estate planning and probate to other attorneys and professionals, as well as to elders with the Chattanooga State Elder Law series. In the past, John served on the Siskin Children's Institute Professional Planned Giving Advisory Committee and was a member of the Kiwanis Club.John is married to Julie Whittington Buhrman, whom he met in law school, and they have two daughters, Cameron and Sadie. John enjoys golf, movies and spending time with his family.