John received his law degree from the University of Michigan. He was a prominent Sterling attorney and public servant for 58 years. He was a member of the Sterling Library Board, secretary for the Sterling Coloma Park District for 26 years, and member of the Sterling Township High School Board for 18 years.For 25 years he was the attorney for the C B and Q railroad. During World War II years, from 1940 to 1946, he was the government appeal agent for the selective services. He sat as City Court Judge for six years and was Master of Chancery.Mr. Stager served in numerous other civic positions including the Red Cross and Chamber of Commerce.He enjoyed writing, and many of his poems have been published.