John was the oldest son of Demetrius. In 1904, at the age of 15, he was the first of six sons of Demetrius to leave his homeland of Greece in search for a better life. He traveled with his father and arrived in America through the gateway of Ellis Island. John and his father found work on the railroad yards in Chicago, Illinois and eventually made their way to the small town of Savanna, Illinois. John settled in Savanna and lived there for the rest of his life, never to return to Greece to see his mother and two brothers who remained behind.

John married an Italian girl named Lucia (Lucy). They had six children and were successful in business. They owned the Ballas Tavern and several properties in Savanna. When his father returned to Greece, John became the surrogate father for his five younger brothers who also came to America at the turn of the 20th century.

John was well-known and well-liked in his new country. He and his brothers, and millions of other immigrants, made America the "melting pot" of the world. Through their hard work and sacrifices, John and his brothers assured future generations of Ballas' would have a better life.