John was the son of Roderick MacLeod and Christina MacAskill of 17 Ruisgarry (Brusda). Born in 1901, he was a pupil at Berneray School from 1907, leaving when he broke his leg.

John became a yachtsman, crewing on the Vita. He married Mary MacDonald, with whom he was to have three children, living in Glasgow. He served in the merchant navy during the Second World War.