Now he and his partner, Voirrey McDonald, of Heptonstall, can step back in time and transform themselves into whoever takes their fancy.
The couple, who have been together five years, own B Authentic based in Milnsbridge, Huddersfield, which is home to what they believe, the biggest private collection of original 1940s military and civilian wear in the country. Their "wardrobe" contains more than 10,000 outfits covering every period in history, from the Middle Ages to the 1980s, and is in demand with TV production companies, drama groups, schools, museums and individuals.
John, who used to own his own stationery company in Huddersfield, came across the business when he and Voirrey went to hire 1940s outfits for his 60th birthday party.
At the time the company was based in Cleckheaton and had been owned by Nora Snowden for over 40 years. She mentioned it was getting too much for her, so the couple stepped in and bought it 18 months ago. Nora, who has a wealth of knowledge about the collection, still keeps her hand in by working for the couple one day a week.
"John has always liked dressing up and is well known for it. He's like the children's character, Mr Benn which is what some of our neighbours in Milnsbridge call him," says Voirrey.
"We are dealing with people who are going to parties and the like so they are always happy and we have great fun putting outfits together for them."
While the 1940s era is the most popular with customers, their costumes cover just about every decade and character in history and John claims customers rarely leave without finding something they like.
"We can make people's fantasies come true and change them into anyone they like. And we've got hundreds of accessories to give outfits the finishing touches."
They get customers from all over the North West as well as Kirklees and Calderdale. Since they bought the business they have not been able to resist adding to the collection and find a lot of things at fleamarkets, car boot sales and junk shops. But the latest addition did not come from any of them.
"A customer came in for a fancy dress outfit and asked if we were interested in some evening gowns.
"She ran a hire business called Bellovita from her home in Greetland, but wanted to sell the collection because she was getting divorced. When we saw the 300 dresses, we snapped them up. They are stunning and like new and will be brilliant for dinner dances, balls, proms and cruises. We have added them to the collection of vintage evening dresses we already had," says Voirrey who has three children.
The dresses, which range in size from eight to 20, cost from £40 upwards to hire, and some of them are featured here.
Models are Abbie McDonald, Holly Ashcroft and Megan Norman, while the guys are Toby Melling, Conner Birket and Marcus Dunning.
They range in age from 13 to 16 and all attend Rishworth School.