John George Vander Vennet was born on September 18, 1946, in Moline, Illinois, to George and Eleanor Vander Vennet. When John was just two years old, the family, including his beloved sister, JoAnn ("Jojo"), relocated to Anniston, Alabama. In 1959, they moved again to Birmingham before eventually settling in Stockton, California, following a job transfer with Case Tractors.
Vennet attended St. Mary's High School in Stockton, where he lettered in both basketball and football. After high school, he attended the University of San Francisco and earned a Bachelor's Degree in History. He then served in the Army Reserves, working as an X-ray technician at Letterman Army Hospital.
Upon returning, he joined the San Francisco Fire Department. He saved numerous lives over the course of his career, including working tirelessly for days on end through the aftermath of the Loma Prieta earthquake while stationed at the Presidio. He retired as a Lieutenant in 2004 (PressDemocrat).
