John (1898-1981) was a son of Malcolm Macdonald and Catherine Macdonald, 16b Tobson. John had an older brother, also named John, who died in infancy.

John married Mary Campbell; the couple had at least three children. They moved to West Earshader in 1947 and left in 1964 when they moved to 2 Hacklete, Bernera. John and Mary cared for John's older brother Donald Macdonald, who was physically disabled and unable to live on his own.