Johnny was born in Amory, Mississippi, and graduated from Amory Public Schools in 1982. He went on to attend Itawamba Community College, where he played percussion and drums for Kaleidoscope and served as Drum Captain of the “All American Band.” After ICC, he enrolled at the University of Louisiana at Monroe to continue his music education studies. In 1985, Johnny returned to Mississippi to complete his degree at the University of Mississippi, where he was the drummer for The Mississippians jazz band and served as Drum Captain of the Pride of the South Marching Band. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1987.
In 1988, Johnny began his teaching career with Tupelo Public Schools, serving as Band Director at Lawhon Junior High and Assistant Band Director at Tupelo High School. Following the merger of Lawhon and Milam Junior High Schools, he became Band Director at Tupelo Middle School.
Around 1995, Johnny developed a strong interest in computer technology, particularly music on computers. In 1996, he received an Association of Excellence in Education Grant to integrate MIDI Music and Music Technology into the fine arts curriculum—an initiative that later expanded into summer enrichment programs for Tupelo Schools. By 1997, alongside his teaching duties, Johnny was also serving as the district’s Web Site and Electronic Groupware Technologist.
In 1998, following his growing passion for technology, Johnny transitioned to the private sector as Assistant Network Administrator for The Peoples Bank & Trust Company (now Renasant Bank), where he worked through the Y2K era. In 2000, he joined RedMagnet Technologies, a multi-business startup, before founding his own company, Active DataComm®, in February 2001.
Active DataComm quickly became a trusted managed service provider for clients across Northeast Mississippi and Alabama, specializing in computer sales and service, network administration, security, and website/email design, hosting, and maintenance. After 23 years of service, Active DataComm was acquired by Vitality South of Tupelo, MS, in 2024, continuing operations under the same name.
Alongside his career in education and technology, Johnny has remained an active performer. He has played drums and percussion with the North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Tupelo Community Theatre, and at events including Stars Over Mississippi, Tupelo Charity Ball, as well as weddings and other special occasions.