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Contact Info
Home Town Worthington, OH
Last Address 153 Heritage Pointe Williamsburg
Date of Passing Aug 28, 2012
Location of Interment U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery and Columbarium (VLM) - Annapolis, Maryland
SWOS DH, Surface Warfare Officers School (SWOS) Department Head training.
Other Comments:
Life Legacy
LCDR John McAdams Baker of Norfolk, Va., died of brain cancer Aug. 28, 2012, at the home of his mother and stepfather Barbara and Jack Brown in Williamsburg, Va. He was born Aug. 20, 1977 in Santiago, Chile. He graduated with honors from Thomas Worthington High School in Worthington, Ohio, in 1996. He received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a bachelor's degree in history and was commissioned as an ensign in 2000. John stood out as a member of 16th company and earned a letter in club lacrosse. He earned the Rear Admiral Robert W. McNitt award, recognizing the most well-rounded and capable senior midshipmen in the sailing program. Criteria for the award include skill in navigation, seamanship and leadership. He earned a master's degree in operations research from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., in 2007.
John excelled as a Surface Warfare officer whose naval career included the maiden deployment in USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) as electrical officer, three deployments in USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) as weapons officer, and one deployment in USS Shoup (DDG 86) as chief engineer. During John's tour as chief engineer, USS Shoup earned its first Engineering Excellence Award. His final department head tour was as the training and readiness officer for Destroyer Squadron 15 in Yokosuka, Japan. In each of his assignments, John was a leader among leaders and inspired his subordinates, peers and seniors. The Navy recognized John's tactical acumen and inspirational example by awarding him the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons and the Army Achievement Medal.
John was an Eagle Scout with three silver palms and a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow. As a scout, he made two treks to the Philmont Scout Ranch and trips to the Florida Sea Base and Tinnerman Wilderness Canoe base in Ontario.
John was a life member of the National Eagle Scout Association, a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Knights of Columbus, Naval Academy Alumni Association, the Naval Institute, Friends of the Burlington Northern Railway and the Great Northern Railway Historical Society.
Besides his mother and stepfather, John is survived by his sister, Joan Baker, of Brooklyn, N.Y., his father, Hal Baker, of Seymour, Ind., his godparents Jorge and Cecilia Jarry of Santiago, Chile, eight uncles, seven aunts, 10 cousins, a stepsister and stepbrother and hundreds of shipmates and friends around the world.
A funeral Mass was held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Annapolis, Md., with committal ceremony and military honors following at the Columbarium at the United States Naval Academy. Donations may be made to the United States Naval Academy Foundation class of 2000 fund in John's memory www.usna.com.
JOHN MCADAMS BAKER guestbook
Date
Aug 28, 2012
Last Updated: Feb 9, 2013
Comments
September 06, 2012 Barb, Joanie, Jack and Hal: What a great loss and how my heart breaks for all of you.
I always admired John and thought he was such a handsome young man in his Navy whites with that wonderful smile! I always appreciated how much he loved the Boys Scouts, Troop 123 and the Navy. He was such a wonderful role model for the younger boys and I also appreciated how kind and helpful he was to Josh.
My God bless you and help you through the coming days.
My heartfelt and deepest sympathy.
Pat ~ Pat Stegman, Worthington, Ohio
September 06, 2012 Barb, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God guide and bless you all. Becky Henry '67
September 05, 2012 John was a best friend and awesome shipmate. I am so lucky to have known John the last four years. I will always remember with fondness the moments shared as we navigated our department head rides on USS SHOUP. But, most of all, I'll never forget the times spent together off-duty. We would ride all the trains we could from Vancouver to Chehalis, hit the road in his truck listening to tunes with no particular destination in mind, enjoy fine wine while pondering life, and talk about our hopes for the future. I loved his cornbread and black bean soup. I miss our Sunday routine of going to church together, having brunch at Arnies overlooking the railroad tracks, then walking around old town Mukilteo. We always had to stop if there were cars on the track so John could take pictures. I miss the sweetness of reunion after time spent apart, especially our last Christmas in Everett and then in Williamsburg in the spring. John was so proud of his time in the Navy, and he shared his stories of his time at USNA with me before his last PCS to Japan. I won't ever forget his handsome smile and zest for life. I miss him terribly but take comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain and is resting peacefully. My life is forever blessed for having known John.
~ Teresa Sanchez, Williamsburg, Virginia
September 05, 2012 Our heartfelt wishes from all the Blacksheep in Columbus. One of the greatest experiences a person can have is watching a young man grow up, not sure of what the future wll hold, and then, whatch that young man achieve it. No matter what, you'd always have a million dollar smile and a fistful of pesos and come out a sucess. You did what a lot of us Blacksheep could only think about. I am priviledged and honored that you gave me and others that experience. BRAVO ZULU----OUTSTANDING JOB THERE SAILOR! You did it right. Semper Fi---Fair Winds and Following Seas my friend. Duck
~ duck, cowtown
September 05, 2012 Barb, Joan, Hal and Jack, I was taken aback as I read about John. I was fortunate to know him in his youth, always setting (and reaching) the highest goals. He was a very admirable Eagle Scout and he set a fine example for all young men. A light has been dimmed with his passing, but that same light shines brighter now in heaven. Christians never say "Goodbye." We say "See you soon." And we will. My sincere condolences to all of you.
~ Chris Pullins, Worthington, Ohio
September 04, 2012 John was a fine shipmate and friend in USS Donald Cook. His sense of humor and professionalism could always be counted on to brighten the darkest days.
John - you will be missed. God bless you and your family.
~ Patrick Newbrough, Chantilly, Virginia
September 04, 2012 John was the definition of a great man and Eagle Scout, his legacy will live on in myself as well as the Boy Scouts and Leaders of Troop 123 in Worthington, OH
~ Rob Fann, Lancaster, Ohio
September 04, 2012 The world has lost a great leader and mentor. V/R PS1(SW)USN RETIRED.......
~ BOBBY BARNES, CASPER, Wyoming
September 04, 2012 It was a pleasure to know you and serve with you aboard the USS Shoup. You will be Missed.
~ Josh Davis, Everett, Washington
September 04, 2012 John was a wonderful young man and it was a privilege to know him. He excelled at many things and was a perfect example of what it means to be an American. May he rest in peace and be with our Lord; and may the Baker and Brown families receive some comfort in knowing how much he touched the lives of others and that we are praying for them.
~ Christopher Walsh, Hilliard, Ohio
September 04, 2012 Great friend and Officer...we'll miss you, "7 Mary 3."
~ Micah Murphy, San Diego, California
September 04, 2012 It was an honor serving with sir.
~ James Miller, Pearl City, Idaho
September 04, 2012 I was fortunate to meet John in school before we both joined SHOUP's wardroom. He was a great friend and his love for the Navy and his family was well-known. I never met Joannie but know how proud John was of her.
~ Jen Bouzigard, Maryland
September 04, 2012 We are so sorry for the loss of a wonderful sailor as well as a friend of ours. He will be truly missed by so many. John touched so many lives along the way. I served with John on the USS SHOUP DDG-86.
Fair winds and Following Seas my Shipmate & Friend
Les & Terri Strauss
~ Les Strauss, Arlington, Washington
September 04, 2012 Rest in peace, Shipmate. Condolences to the entire Baker family. - J.T. Ward, USNA c/o 2000
~ J.T. Ward, San Diego, California
September 03, 2012 John will be greatly missed by all who knew him! Condolences to his family and friends. TWHS class of '96
~ Elizabeth Hill (Blinn), Pickerington, Ohio
September 03, 2012 Im deeply saddened to know that a fine gentleman has left us. I had the privelage to work for him on the USS Donald Cook in 2000, and I considered him a great leader and role model. I'm stunned and not sure what to think. Why was he taken from us I ask myself....thank you for being a great leader and taking care of your people. May you rest in peace SIR!
