John Ruffilli was born and raised in Sarnia. He attended Sarnia Central Collegiate where he graduated as Class Valedictorian and received the Award of Merit presented from time to time by the teaching staff for accrued achievements in academics, athletics and activities throughout the high school career, as well as receiving an Ontario Scholarship and Polysar Scholarship. John did his undergrad in Economics at University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, attending Huron College where he was a house senior for two years. John then entered University of Western Ontario Law School from which he graduated in 1978. He articled in Sarnia with Lyle F. Curran, Q.C. and Justin S. Mallon, Q.C. and was called to the bar in April of 1980.
John commenced his practice with Justin Mallon, Q.C. in 1980, moving on with Paul Beaudet and Mark Hornblower in 1981, and Fred Dally and Don Elliott in 1984. In 1991 John joined the firm of George Murray Shipley Bell as a partner and has practiced exclusively in the areas of real estate, corporate and commercial, estate planning and administration since that time.
John has served the community on numerous boards and committees over the years including the Family Counseling Centre, St. Joseph's Health Centre Foundation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Sarnia Foundation, Sarnia Hockey and Lambton AAA Hockey. He is currently an active member of the Board of Directors of Sarnia–Lambton Rebound Program for Youth.
John is married to Betty, a teacher at S.C.I.T.S. and they have boys, Rob and Tim.