John S. Baughman, Colonel, USAF (Retired)
February 11, 1941 – August 08, 2004

Col. USAF (Ret.) John S. “Jay” Baughman

John S. Baughman of Ft. Myers, passed away unexpectedly at his home Sunday, August 8 at the age of 63.

Col. Baughman began his distinguished career as a pilot upon completing the US Air Force pilot training program in 1964. In 1967-68 he served as a rescue helicopter pilot (flying “Jolly Green Giants”) in Vietnam, where he brought many men to safety and survived being shot down. After Vietnam, he continued to fly (C-141s and C-5s) and command squadrons, operation units and a Military Airlift Command Wing for 27 years. He served as Chief Pilot of the Military Airlift Command at Scott AFB, IL. until his retirement from the Air Force in 1990. Col. Baughman received several medals including the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Medal.

Col. Baughman then relocated to Ft. Myers and began his next career as a commercial airline pilot for American Trans Air. In addition to flying the L-1011 and 727 on civilian domestic and international flights, he flew several military contract missions to to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm; the evacuation of hundreds of Tutsies at gunpoint in Western Africa for the United Nations; and humanitarian aid missions to Somalia in the early 1990’s.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA. in 1941, Col. Baughman moved to Havana, Cuba until coming to Tallahassee, FL. in 1947. He was a graduate of Florida State University and a recipient of two master’s degrees.

After his cockpit career ended in 2002, he became active in his neighborhood and community. He derived great satisfaction from mentoring and aiding students from Air Force Academy hopefuls to those interested in all areas of science. A member of the Lee County Substitute Teachers Board, he was very involved with Ft. Myers Hight School.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Karen Moore Baughman; daughters Liz (Bill) Oberman of Naples and Kathy (Andy) McLeod of Tallahassee; grandchildren Gage, Evan and John Reese Oberman and Fiona Baughman Cronin.

Jay was best known for his willingness and eagerness to help any fellow human being. Family and friends describe him as a consummate patriot who exemplified honor, integrity and the best of the American Spirit.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, August 14th, 2004, at 2:00 pm at St. Hilary’s Episcopal Church in Ft. Myers. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Col. Baughman’s name.

Published in the News-Press, 12 Aug 2004, Thur. – Page 12, (Fort Myers, Florida)

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John S. Baughman served in the Vietnam War as a HH-3E pilot with the 37th ARRS in the 1967-1968-time frame.