John Joseph Brown was born on June 4, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York. John married Margaret A. on October 10, 1950, and they had five children: Michael G. Brown; James F. Brown; Daniel E. Brown; Jacqueline M. Brown; and Elizabeth H. Brown.

Brown was the Radiological Safety Supervisor at the Nevada Test Site.

Brown received his GED while in the United States Navy. Brown was enlisted in the United States Naval Force for twenty-two years (1941 to 1963). Brown had previously worked as a seaman on a ship and with nuclear weapons.