John Maurice Munson was born on February 19, 1878 in Kane, Pennsylvania. At age 13, Munson left home for Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where he worked as a millhand and lumberjack; he also attended night school and eventually taught in village schools. Munson attended the Ferris Institute in Big Rapids, Michigan, and received his B.A. from Michigan State Normal College in 1903. He received his Ph.B. from the University of Chicago via correspondence, completing his degree in 1911.

Between 1903 and 1933, Munson served as a public school teacher, public school superintendent, Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, Director of the Training School of the Central Michigan State Normal College in Mount Pleasant (1919-1923), and President of the Northern Michigan State Normal College in Marquette (1923-1933). While a student at the Ferris Institute, he drew the attention of W.N. Ferris, later the Governor of Michigan, who nominated Munson for many of these appointments and supported him throughout his career.

On May 8, 1933, Munson was named president of Michigan State Normal College by the State Board of Education, a position he held for fifteen years until 1948. Munson died on June 22, 1950.