He grew up in Woodstock and Owen Sound and moved to Regina, Saskatchewan in 1897 to attend Normal School.

John Wesley Fry sought office eleven times in his political career, and was never defeated.

His first attempt took place in the 1932 election, when he ran for the position of alderman on Edmonton City Council.

Fry resigned midway through his third two-year term to run for mayor in the 1937 election, challenging incumbent Joseph Clarke.

Fry's record of eight consecutive years as mayor stood until 2003, when Bill Smith surpassed it.