After his father's death in 1277, he first ruled Werle together with his brothers Henry I and Bernard I.
In 1281, it was decided to divide Werle and John took over control of Werle-Parchim.
He was married with Sophia, the daughter of Count Günther of Lindow-Ruppin.
He died on 15 October 1283, and was buried in the Doberan Minster.
John's daughters are not mentioned in historic documents, only his sons