John was a well known lumber dealer in Detroit, Michigan, USA. He was married to Elizabeth Ross, probably in Germany, because she was from the same town. They attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Detroit and were originally buried in Mt. Elliott Cemetery in Detroit. They were later moved to Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Detroit. Their daughter, Mary Frances married Charles Joseph Wallich and the lumber business became Wallich Lumber.
the Japes had several children who died, but the ones who survived to adulthood were: John, Jr., Henry, Joseph and Ida.