Born in Dallas, Texas on January 9, 1956, and was raised in Old East Dallas. He matriculated through Dallas Independent School District graduating from W. W. Samuell in 1974. Following high school, John spent time at Eastfield Community College before transferring and eventually graduating from East Texas State University.

John had a forty plus-year career in education that began in administration with Wilmer Hutchins Independent School District. Pursuing an entrepreneurial journey he moved on to open New Beginnings Learning Center, an adult education nonprofit, opening offices across the state of Texas. He ended his career as a Senior Director of Campus Support Services for Dallas Independent School District. On his career journey, he helped countless people acquire skills to improve their lives, gain career growth, and advocate for quality conditions and equity.

He was a man of few words, but when he spoke people listened. John was passionate about cooking, smoking his famous brisket and making his highly coveted BBQ sauce recipe. He LOVED sports and could often be found watching his favorite basketball team, the San Antonio Spurs.

The same energy he gave to his career he gave equally if not greater to his family and friends. A hilariously blunt sounding board who desired to help everyone he could. When asked what he wanted his legacy to be, he said "I always felt my purpose in life was to help people." The reflection of love and light that surrounded him in his final days says, "Job Well Done John!"

He lived his life on his terms and no one else's until his final breath. He leaves behind his beloved children: Clarice Criss, John Criss Jr., and Jordan Criss; his only sibling Belva Criss Davis and his cherished brother-in-law James Davis, his aunt Sadie Strayhorn, a host of nieces, nephews and remarkable friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Loraine Criss and his father John Otis Criss.