Jumper has stated that his father general Jimmy Jefferson Jumper enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in World War II "probably for a way to get out of Paris, Texas", became a pilot, and retired as a two star general.

[8][9] John went on to earn his commission as a distinguished graduate of Virginia Military Institute's Air Force ROTC program in 1966.

He also transported supplies to special forces units sometimes up to "six or seven hours" a day in twenty minutes stints.

[11]During the 9/11 terrorist attacks he was stationed at the Pentagon having sworn in as Air Force Chief of Staff just five days earlier.

I grabbed him by the collar, and as I pulled him into the hallway, the whole building rattled.” Jumper and his staff retreated to the basement command center of the Pentagon to help ensure continuity of the U.S.

[12] In June 2007 Jumper joined board of directors of Science Applications International Corporation, a federal contractor company.

[16] Jumper's wife is named Ellen McGhee and they have three daughters Melissa, Catherine, and Janet, all of whom have served in the Air Force.

[17][18][19] On November 6, 2022 his daughter Catherine was promoted to brigadier general and Commander of the Virginia National Guard Air Component.

The investigation revolves around possible involvement of Jumper, and then Chief of Staff of the Air Force T. Michael Moseley.

[31] Two companies involved in the bidding process protested award of the contract, one having offered comparable services for half as much.