Herb John of Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora has won the Jean Bush Award from the Northern Illinois Conference's United Methodist Men. 

Herb John, left, happily accepts the Jean Bush Award from UMM President George Groves.

The anual award is presented to an individual who has inspired leadership and growth in NIC men's ministries. John received the award at the conference UMM's Spiritual Congress on Sept. 16.

George Groves, president of conference group, said John has been a leader in his local UMM unit at Wesley UMC for many years. In 2008 he joined the Aurora District UMM executive committee as treasurer and later became vice president. During this time, John became a men’s ministry specialist. In 2016, he was elected Aurora District president and became a member of the NICUMM executive committee.  John stepped down from his role as district president and is now aUMM prayer advocate and the jurisdiction UMM prayer advocate.

A longtime supporter of Boy Scouts of America, he received the Silver Beaver Award in 2018 from the St. Charles-based Three Fires Council of BSA. The award recognizes a registered Scouter of exceptional character who has made an impact on the lives of youth through service given at the council level. 

Groves added, "In the many hours we have spent together over past years, it was easy for me to recognize his passion for teaching the boys in his scout troops. Herb was a Scouter for decades."