John Knemeyer was raised in California’s Mojave Desert, living on the China Lake Naval Weapons Center, where his father was an aeronautical engineer.  In 1975, John left the area to attend Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA.  After three semesters, he transferred to the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA.  In 1979 John graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry.  In early 1980, he started his career working for Pacific Gas & Electric, at the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, located near Avila Beach, CA.  John progressed from technician, to chemistry engineer, and finally to supervising chemistry engineer.  After approximately 36 years, John retired at the end of 2015.  During this time, John volunteered for the American Red Cross, primarily as part of a Disaster Action Team, responding to local disasters to ensure clients had the appropriate shelter, food and clothing to help them start their recovery.  In 2019, John started volunteering for Alice’s Kids.  He soon took on the roles of Grant Manager and Outreach Committee chair.  John and his wife raised two children on the central coast of California.