John Charles Hafley was born the son of a Methodist minister and his faith in God and his Christian values have been a guidepost for his entire life. He served eight years as a law enforcement officer. He returned to active military service in the Army after 9-11 and served there for eight years. In 2009, he started his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Walker County, Texas. After that, Judge Hafley went into private practice in Conroe, Texas. He has served 32 years in the Army and the Army Reserve and retired at the rank of Brigadier General. 

Throughout his law enforcement career he was decorated with the Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Award, The Commendation Medal, and Medal of Valor.
In the Army, he has been awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, seven Meritorious Service Medals, amongst others, and has served or been deployed to six different countries. 

Judge John C. Hafley married his bride in 1996 and has two adult children.