Johan was unable to distinguish himself, and also took some unwise and ill-advised actions, such as those that lead to the Guelders feud.
In 1538, Johan married Dorothea of Austria, the illegitimate daughter of Emperor Maximilian I.
In 1543, Emperor Charles V reminded Johan of the fact that he was still, technically, in the imperial service.
Charles appointed Johan stadtholder of the Duchy of Limburg and the Lands of Overmaas.
[1] His descendants lived at Coldeborg Castle in the Rheiderland and were financially supported by the counts of East Frisia.