John Christian Baldus

John (Jack) Christian Baldus left his worldly home on August 15, 2022 for bigger and better things. He spent 90 years on this planet and, for him, that was enough. John was born on March 31, 1932 to Christian and Margaret May Baldus. He grew up in Oakmont, Pennsylvania and attended the University of Pittsburgh where he graduated in 1954. He had a great interest in airplanes and flying. He entered the Army in June of 1954 and was assigned to active duty in September that same year. He became an Army Aviation Maintenance Officer in which he was responsible for overseeing 32 personnel, maintaining detailed records and even performing test flights. He finally left active duty but remained in the reserves until retirement. He met Phylis McDanel on a blind date. After a quick courtship, they were married September 4, 1959. Phylis had a daughter, Debbie, which John readily adopted. A year later they had their own daughter, Chris. In 1963 John joined the Office of Personnel at the Central Intelligence Agency (the Agency). He served in many different capacities, always streamlining procedures and encouraging employees to take on more responsibilities as they were capable. He retired from the Agency in 1977. John took his retirement seriously. He started traveling and touring on his motorcycle, with a few friends or with the Retreads or Goldwing groups. He enjoyed his trips to Sturgis and even went to Alaska! Between his trips he also worked with a group in Fairfax called Food for Others. He often traveled for them in a rental truck to farms to pick up apples, potatoes, and other produce for distribution in the area. He also helped deliver food to those who could not come to the food bank. John also had a small group of friends with which he "held court" every Friday morning. He served breakfast and they swapped stories and discussed current events over coffee. He leaves behind his wife, Phylis, of almost 63 years; two daughters; four grandchildren; one great-grandson; his little canine companion, Alex, who misses him very much; and many friends who will miss the wonderful stories he told of his life with humor and aplomb. Please feel free to share any stories on this site. The family would like to compile a Book of Remembrance with your memories included. In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer's Association Thank you.