TSGT John Coaxum

John Coaxum
February 24, 1934 – November 22, 2021

Sacramento, California – John passed away peacefully at home in Elk Grove, California with his loving daughter Janice by his side at the age of 87. Born in Charleston, South Carolina to William and Lila (Palmer) Coaxum. John was the second oldest of 11 children. John left Charleston at a young age and joined the United States Air Force in 1953. He served our country in Korea and Vietnam. Having been exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam John was 100% disabled. He was a Purple Heart, Bronze Star veteran. After 23 years in the Air Force John retired at McClellan AFB at the rank of Technical Sergeant. John served 12 years for the United States Postal Service. John worked for the United States Defense Department at the rank of GS-12, and in 1986 was a diplomat to the Saudi Arabian Government.

John met the love of his life, June Baptie while he was serving in the Air Force in England. They entered holy matrimony in 1956 and had six children: Carl John Coaxum (deceased), Paul (Robbin) Coaxum, Sandra (Titus) Humphrey, John (Sheila) Coaxum, Janice (Pasha) Coaxum, and Charles (Kiamethia) Coaxum. June and John traveled extensively throughout the world. Their travels took them to Kenya, Thailand, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Germany, Hawaii, and the Caribbean.

John was always striving to accomplish more, to be a stable provider for his family all while overcoming his own difficult upbringing in the Jim Crow South. He never used the horrors of racism as an excuse not to keep fighting for success. He was an example for his children that a life of hard work, persistence, and belief in self any obstacle could be overcome. He worked three jobs, as well as attended night school to gain a college degree which provided for future opportunities.

John was a constant source of inspiration and was grandpa to 13 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. A dedicated and faithful father, husband, and friend. He will be greatly missed.

Private services will be held at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery on January 6, 2022, where John will join his wife June who preceded him in death on July 8, 2014.