John graduated Cum Laude from Roxbury High School in New Jersey in 1942 and then attended Washington & Lee University before enlisting in the Army Air Force in 1943. Ray flew 55 missions as photographer and gunner in B-24s flying over Africa, Italy, Rumania, Germany and France. When he was discharged in 1945, Ray received a B.A. in physical education with a minor in philosophy from Seton Hall University in 1949. He went on to receive a M.A. from Columbia University in 1951. Ray coached high school football, wrestling, basketball and track, and was a certified official at high school and college levels in football, track and wrestling. Ray has devoted much of his life to being an official, especially wrestling, working to have officials state certified by working with the Wrestling Official Cadet program for many years. Ray introduced wrestling as a team sport to Roxbury High School along with Nelson Gibble in 1955. In 1960 he introduced wrestling to the elementary school boys and their parents by having a day training course followed by a tournament which became an annual event during the Christmas holiday. Sponsored by the Roxbury Recreation Department, he was assisted by Rich Mirshak, Don Tompkins, Cliff Freund and the high school wrestlers.