John Parry Jr. was born on October 13, 1817, in Newmarket (now Trelawnyd), Flintshire, Wales, to John Parry and Mary Williams, one of seven children. John received only a few years of formal education and, at the age of twelve, began working with livestock. He later learned the trade of masonry from his father and quickly became skilled in the craft, eventually taking on building contracts by the age of nineteen.

In 1846, while living in Birkenhead, he and his parents were baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Elder Thomas Wilson. John was ordained an Elder shortly thereafter and was called to preside over a branch of the Church in Birkenhead.

John spent the next decade working as a mason while preaching the Gospel and organizing branches of the Church, often facing mob opposition. In 1853, he married Harriet Julia Roberts, and by 1856, after nearly ten years of missionary work, he was released to emigrate to Utah. He and Harriet, along with their son Brigham Bernard, crossed the plains in the Edward Bunker Handcart Company, arriving in Salt Lake City in October 1856. Unfortunately, their young son passed away before they arrived.

After settling in Salt Lake City, John was ordained to the 37th Quorum of Seventies in 1857 and later served a mission to Great Britain from 1865 to 1869. Upon returning, he worked in his trade before being appointed to supervise the construction of the Logan Temple in 1877. He remained in Logan with his family, overseeing the masonry work until his death on May 16, 1882, at the age of 64.

John was known for his quiet, unassuming nature and dedication to his family and faith. He presided over the High Priests Quorum of the Cache Stake of Zion in 1880 and was beloved by all who knew him. Throughout his life, he was a devoted husband, father, and friend, leaving behind a legacy of service, integrity, and kindness.

John and Harriet had six children: Lavinia Charlotte, Mary Aneron, Armenia Julia, Sarah Celestia Harriet, John Marari, and their deceased son, Brigham Bernard.