Before having the reign, he evidenced for the first time the title of Duke of Gerona, which showed it as prince of the House of Aragon.
During his reign he had disagreements with his father-in-law, the Count of Armagnac. The hosts of the count, under the orders of Bernardo (his brother), invaded against Ampurdián and reached Gerona, being expelled by the troops led by the infant Martín, who was the brother and future successor of the king.
Also during his tenure there was administrative and financial disorder. And as much as the king had a good training and promote the arts and letters, gave the responsibility to his wife Yolanda, while he spent his time in his hobbies. Especially when hunting.
Also promoted music and literature. Creating the Floral Games of Barcelona, which were imitation of those of Tolosa (1393), where many poets of the Crown of Aragon participated.
Had to face multiple expenses that arose in places like Sardinia. However, the king did not cover at all. Added to the corruption of the directors and the royal clientele. Having to sell the castles of realengo, in Roussillon, to cover the expenses that were required and that they supposedly did not have in their reserves.
When King John I requested money, the Courts of Aragon they had to deny such approaches, because it was obvious the scarcity and poverty that the people lived.
For this reason, the king began to borrow from the bankers of Florence. Bringing as a consequence the decline of the economy of Catalonia and the economic and social boom of Aragon and Valencia.
He died in 1396, as a result of a fall from the horse in one of his hunts. However, having no male child to succeed him, his brother Martin was appointed as the new king. Who was called Martin I the Human.