John Jackson Bagby

Jack lived a rich life with courage and kindness. He grew up in Danville, Virginia, attended Virginia Military Institute and served in the U.S. Air Force. While finishing a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Maryland, Jack grew out his hair and marched against the Vietnam War with Veterans for Peace in D.C.

For much of his life Jack rode and worked on Triumph motorcycles and large V8 cars he called his “boats”. He loved country music, camping and all living things. He had no desire to hunt. Animals all loved him. For many years Jack played bass in country and southern rock bands, and once played with George Jones and Ricky Skaggs. He loved his two wives deeply and had bitter divorces from each. He did time in federal prison for DUI after his band played at a military base event.

Jack got sober for the last twenty years of his life. An active member of AA, he asked for and found forgiveness, and lived mindfully and gratefully. He often quoted the serenity prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. Jack tenderly cared for his mother in her old age. Jack made peace with his children. With AA Jack counseled fellow addicts incarcerated in the Virginia prison system. He loved his neighbor as he loved himself.

Jack became a good father and grandfather in his final decades, and is survived by three children, John, Emily and Matthew. Jack was a fun ol’ Grandpa to six grandchildren.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenfs.com for the Bagby family.