John Blevins was born in 1939 in San Antonio, Texas. He was commissioned a 2d Lt in the U.S. Air Force through the Air Force ROTC program on May 27, 1961, and went on active duty beginning October 4, 1961. Lt Blevins next completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Webb AFB, Texas, in December 1962, followed by F-100 Super Sabre and then F-105 Thunderchief Combat Crew Training from December 1962 to September 1963. His first assignment was as an F-105 pilot with the 23rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Bitburg AB, West Germany, from November 1963 to April 1966, followed by service as an F-105 pilot with the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Takhli Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, from April 1966 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on September 9, 1966. After spending 2,369 days in captivity, Maj Blevins was released during Operation Homecoming on March 4, 1973. He was briefly hospitalized to recover from his injuries at Lackland AFB, Texas, and then attended Instrument Pilot Instructor School at Randolph AFB, Texas, from July to November 1973. His next assignment was as an Instrument Instructor Pilot with the Air Force Instrument Flight Center at Randolph from December 1973 to June 1975, followed by an Air Force Institute of Technology assignment from June 1975 to June 1976. LtCol Blevins' final assignment was as Chief of the Business Operations Division in the Antiarmor Weapons System Program Office with the Armament Division at Eglin AFB, Florida, from June 1976 until his retirement from the Air Force on November 1, 1981.

His 1st (of 2) Silver Star Citation reads:

Captain John C. Blevins distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 9 September 1966. On that date, Captain Blevins led a flight of four F-105 fighter-bombers through inclement weather to strike a strategic target deep within hostile territory. The determined aggressiveness and inspiring leadership displayed by Captain Blevins throughout the mission, and the fearlessness exhibited in the face of intense hostile fire were exceptionally outstanding. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Blevins has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.