One of seven children of James William and Fannie Smith Drummond, John Drummond was born in Greenwood, South Carolina, though at some point the family moved to Ninety Six, South Carolina.

In World War II, Drummond held the rank of captain and piloted a P-47D Thunderbolt with the nose art "Raid Hot Mama" 405th Fighter Group.

During his time of service Drummond received the Decorated Distinguished Flying Cross, two Purple Hearts, nine Air Medals, and three Battle Stars.

In 2001, the newly-minted Republican senate majority changed the body's rules regarding chairmanships and Hugh Leatherman replaced Drummond as chairman of the finance committee.

[4] Drummond helped preside over efforts by the Senate to remove the Confederate Flag from the State House grounds.