In a bowling career that lasted a mere twenty years, John Willock set standards that few bowlers can match.

Originally born in Hamilton, John set pins at Eastdale Bowl and, under the tutelage of proprietor Harvey Brown, raised his skill level to test the best bowlers in Hamilton and beyond. At twenty-one years old, John started his career at the Dofasco Steel Company and, a year later married his wife, Judy. As John's bowling game improved, he was ultimately encouraged by his friend, Wayne Webb, to both join the major leagues in the Hamilton area enter the local tournaments as well. John won high average titles at Bar Don Lanes, University Lanes and also in the Inter City League on Saturdays with a 266 mark. This success lured John to Stoney Creek and, in the "Bat the Champ" format, John warded off all challengers and during a four month period.

But this local success was only the foundation for John to find success provincially and nationally. John bowled in the Open twelve times from 1977 to 1994 and also coached for one year. Provincial success came in 1978 with the Hamilton mixed team that won provincially and, finished second, representing Ontario in Thunder Bay. As well, in the qualifying round for the Open in 1983, John bowled one of his two sanctioned perfect games.

In the Master Bowlers' Association (MBA), John bowled thirteen years and for 818 games averaged 257 and every eligible bowler higher than his mark, is already in the Hall of Fame. As well, in the MBA, John won three tournaments. Each victory was an individual event beginning with the Year End Tournament in 1984, the New Yeas Classic in 1988 and, on television, the 1989 Rose Festival. As well, John won the annual Mark Ten Accuracy competition on three occasions, further highlighting his bowling ability. As well as dominating the Stoney Creek "Beat the Champ", John won the prestigious O'Connor Open in 1981 and also the popular Bowlerama Match Play event the following year. As well, he would bowl his second perfect game at Bowlerama Stoney Creek during tournament play.

John always carried the reputation as an excellent team bowler but he was also a sought after instructor and coach. Individually, he mentored numerous bowlers, both young and old, to both understand the game better and also raise their average accordingly. He coached the Ontario teaching division men's team at the MBAC National Championships and won a rare gold medal in 1986, only the second by an Ontario team to that point. In addition, John coached at the Youth Challenge and, in 1985, guided the Hamilton team to a gold medal at the Ontario Winter Games in St. Catharines

John and his wife, Judy, have two children, Teresa and Jeff and Teresa has provided three grandchildren. While this group of youngsters would keep many couples busy, John and Judy's life became more complicated when Judy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1981.In recent years, Judy has been confined to a bed at home and, as a result, John has assumed many of the duties necessary for his wife's care. As well, he chose to cut short his bowling career in 1991 and, as well, retire from Dofasco in 2002.

While John's bowling career was shortened to a degree, his accomplishments were outstanding and allowed John to reach championship levels in his chosen sport of 5 pin bowling.