Commissioner John Willingham was born in the coal-mining town of Bevier, Missouri. He attended public schools where he won All-Conference and All-State honors in high school football. He attended the University of Missouri where he majored in Business and Public Administration with a minor in Industrial Education. Commissioner Willingham signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. At the completion of his first season in professional baseball, he was inducted into the U.S. Army. His first venture as a businessman was in the concrete casting industry. Commissioner Willingham achieved international recognition for pre-cast concrete technology. In addition to his business success, he was active in many successful political campaigns, which included that of Winthrop Rockefeller, the first republican governor of Arkansas. During the 70's he was appointed by President Richard Nixon as Director of Technical Evaluation of Industrialized Housing. During the 80's Commissioner Willingham began a new career and developed his international reputation for his culinary barbecuing skills. He has received numerous awards in barbecue contests throughout the nation and has appeared on national television demonstrating his recognized cooking skills. His book "World Champion Bar B Q" was published in 1996. He and his wife Marge have three daughters.

John Willingham is Chairman of the Public Service & Tourism Committee, and member of the Budget, Land Use, Housing and Delinquent Tax Parcel committees.