John descends from a pioneer Panhandle family that settled in our area in the early 1900's. John has spent his entire life living, working, and raising a family in Amarillo, graduating from Tascosa High School before completing degrees at Amarillo College and West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M University).

John then attended Texas Tech University Law School and soon after became a practicing attorney. He is a partner at Smithee & Russell, PC in Amarillo where he has been named a Super Lawyer every year since 2009 and has argued many cases before our Texas Supreme Court.

In recent years, John has been named to the Tascosa High Hall of Fame and recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus of both Amarillo College and West Texas A&M.

Throughout his legislative service, John has been recognized as a strong conservative and advocate for the people of the Panhandle. Some of these honors include- √ Texas Eagle Forum "Freedom and Family" Award √ Texas Right to Life "Pro-Life Hero" Award √ Texas Press Association "Friend of the First Amendment" Award √ American Cancer Society "Advocacy in Action" Award √ Texas Association of Business "Fighter for Free Enterprise" Award ​John has always put the people of the Panhandle first. During his time serving our area, he has passed legislation to create 911 service to Potter and Randall Counties, brought West Texas State University into the Texas A&M system, and secured funding for our growth and critical needs such as the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo and a new mental health hospital.

John has been married to his wife Becky for 44 years and the couple shares three wonderful children and eight grandchildren. John has long served as an adult Sunday School Teacher at First Baptist Church Amarillo.