John Hernandez grew up in Wendover on the Utah side. Both of his parents are from Mexico. He graduated as a social worker from Utah State University and became a teacher two years later. He has now taught for 26 years. He also has 17 years of experience coaching sports, including girls' volleyball, basketball, boys and girls track and cross-country.

John likes to draw and play the guitar. He is an avid photographer and cyclist and is a member of the Logan Race Club cycling organization. He has completed the LOTOJA bicycle race (a 200-mile race from Logan to Jackson Hole, Wyoming) ten consecutive times. He is married to Beth Foley (USU professor of Communicative Disorders). The pride and joy and love of his life is their son Michael.