J.D. came into this world on a day that would forever be etched in the annals of history, coinciding with the momentous occasion of Richard Nixon's presidential election victory. This pivotal event unfolded in the charming delta town of Greenville, Mississippi, a place renowned for its rich cultural heritage and distinction as the birthplace of the visionary Muppets creator, Jim Henson. As a testament to his diverse ancestry, J.D. is a proud descendant of a fascinating blend of Irish, French, German, Cherokee, and Choctaw heritage. As the eldest of seven siblings, he was instilled with a strong sense of family and community from a young age. His childhood was marked by a series of frequent moves, as he alternated between his mother's and father's homes, attending a staggering 17 different schools throughout his formative years.
J.D.'s father, fondly referred to as Puddin', is a multifaceted individual with a diverse range of skills and interests. As a welder, he has honed his expertise in shaping and joining metal, while his artistic side is evident in his creative endeavors. Additionally, Puddin' has a passion for amateur archaeology, where he delves into the mysteries of the past, uncovering secrets and shedding light on ancient civilizations. Furthermore, he is an inventor, always tinkering with innovative ideas and bringing them to life.
On the other hand, J.D.'s mother, Sally, has had a varied and dynamic career, taking on numerous roles that have allowed her to showcase her talents and creativity. As a concert promoter, she has had the opportunity to work with a wide range of artists and bands, bringing live music to audiences across the country. Her entrepreneurial spirit is also evident in her ownership of a country-western nightclub, where J.D. spent many late nights backstage and on stage, rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Some of the notable musicians who have performed at the nightclub include Hank Williams, Jr., Juice Newton, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Paycheck, David Allen Coe, and Ray Price, among many others.
J.D.'s journey began with a brief tenure in college, which was subsequently interrupted by a 15-month stint in the Marine Corps, where he was stationed in California. Despite having limited experience in the acting world, he made the bold decision to pursue a career in acting, driven by a passion that was sparked by his participation in a pre-school production of The Nutcracker. However, his senior play experience was short-lived, as he was unceremoniously removed from the production of Oklahoma after only two rehearsals.
Undeterred by this setback, J.D. returned to his hometown in Mississippi and embarked on a new career path, working as a debt collector for his mother's collection agency. Although this endeavor held promise, he ultimately came to the realization that it wasn't the right fit for him. With a sense of restlessness, he made the decision to return to college, this time with a clear goal in mind: to earn a degree in theatre from The University of Southern Mississippi.
John David, a passionate individual, discovered his true calling when he stepped onto the stage, and his remarkable talent did not go unnoticed as he was handpicked among the top 20 contenders from across the state to participate in the prestigious Southeastern Theatre Conference.
Years later, in 1995, a close acquaintance extended an extraordinary opportunity to J.D., offering him a substantial sum of $1,000 to take on the lead role in his play, "Dylan's Ghost," at the esteemed Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica, a chance that was too enticing to resist.
From that point on, J.D. has divided his time between the iconic city of Hollywood, California, the vibrant cultural hub of Austin, Texas, and the charming academic community of Oxford, Mississippi, where he had the opportunity to write and direct his inaugural independent feature film, Glorious Mail, in the year 2005.
Throughout his career, J.D. has made a notable appearance on the short-lived yet entertaining game show Hollywood Showdown, where he managed to win a substantial sum of nearly $12,000. However, his friends and colleagues have taken to jokingly referring to him as almost one lucky son of a gun, due to his numerous close calls in securing lead roles in major motion pictures.
