He was the eldest son of Count Conrad V and his wife Jacoba of Neuenahr.
During a traditional boundary inspection tour on 1 May 1474, he shared a keg of beer with the citizens of Rietberg.
They raised money for this journey by mortgaging Aldehof manor in Bokel.
On 13 May 1481, John donated an altar in the abbey for the souls of his parents and siblings.
As payment, he transferred the Horntemannsgut in Gütersloh parish, however, with an option to buy it back for 200 Rhenish guilders.