Baird: Stars and Stripes photographer, author dies

John “Jack” K. Baird

John “Jack” K. Baird, 80, of Des Moines, Iowa passed away on Friday, October 3, 2014. Jack was born April 6, 1934 in Peoria, Illinois to Thornton and Gladys Baird. Jack forged his parents’ signature at the young age of fifteen and enlisted in the Marines.

He is a veteran of the Korean War, served two tours of duty in Vietnam, and served multiple deployments to the Philippines, Okinawa and Thailand. With a career spanning twenty two years, Jack served in Japan, Taiwan and several stateside assignments with his family accompanying him. During his Vietnam tours he was a Combat Correspondent with the Pacific Stars & Stripes Newspaper and also had a number of his war pictures featured in Life Magazine. Jack retired as a Master Gunnery Sergeant and received many medals for his service including the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

In 2008, Jack wrote and published a book titled “Combat Combo Marine”, in which he closely chronicled combat operations in Vietnam and throughout his military experience. After his career ended, Jack accepted a position with the Postal Service in Des Moines while continuing his own on-going business in the printing and advertising field. He was also a member of AMVETS Post 2, ZA-GA-ZIG Shriners, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Jack is survived by his five children: Brenda, San Diego, CA; Steven, Fort Collins, CO; Teresa (Mike) Milewski and their children Karie and Doug, Batavia, IL; Melinda “Lindy” Westcott and her daughter Rachel, Fort Collins, CO; Douglas (Kimberly) and their daughter Helena, N. Las Vegas, NV; and his ex-wife, Juanita. Jack is preceded in death by his parents; Betty, the mother of his children; and two sisters, Nancy and Maxine.

Funeral service were held at Merle Hay Funeral Home,Des Moines, Iowa on October 13, 2014. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine.