Thanks for your life and books.  The first two that  I  read were well-told tales.  I am sorry that you were not able to  continue your life and writing.

It is my pleasure to once again sing the praises of my colleague and friend RADM John Babb who passed away much too soon.
John’s impact on the USPHS and public’s health in general is still felt through his remarkable life long selfless leadership.
John represented the best in all of us and through his daily examples reminded us continually of the privilege of public service.
 
VADM (Ret) Richard Carmona
17th Surgeon General of The United States

Half a year after John’s passing all of us who had the privilege to to know and work with John continue to remember him in our presentations and daily work. John left an indelible and enviable example of professionalism and selfless service in all of us.  He always led by example and delivered well above what was expected. He was also the consummate mentor and best  example of the USPHS ‘brand”. 
We are all better for having been in his presence.
He may be gone but will never be forgotten!

VADM (ret) Richard Carmona
17th Surgeon General of The United States

My boss- a great man, good heart, smart, funny and dedicated.   He was easy to work for, you know your job- then do it, give it your very best.  That is what he wanted from his team.  I wish there were more people like Admiral Babb, he loved working in the community.   Blessings to the family and Mrs Babb, what a blessing to have a Mom like Vickie, she is one of the kindest individual that also wanted more from all of us, she got right in there with us working to reach our youth with  important health messages!   Thank God for Jesus, and for my boss Admiral John Babb! 

Matt, 
My sincerest condolences for you and your family at this time. Wishing you peace, comfort, and courage at this time of sorrow. I am thinking of you  and your family and sending caring thoughts your way. 



John, may your next journey be as great and glorious as your first.  Thank you for all your support, friendship and help during my career.  Vicki my sincere condolences and prayers are with you.

Vicki and family, I was so saddened to hear of RADM Babb/John's passing. He was an amazing colleague, mentor, and friend during his PHS years and afterwards.  I enjoyed hearing from him on occasion and reading his posts on Facebook in the years since. I was blown away when he wrote my son into one of his books.

I always appreciated his wisdom and perspective. He will be deeply missed by myself as well as numerous other colleagues and friends❤️ May you find comfort in your memories, he was the simply the best.  One of the finest officers I have ever known.  It was also clear what an amazing husband and father he was.  Please accept our condolences.

I had the honor of becoming acquainted with RADM Babb when he called me up to deploy many years ago. I was scheduled to take a board exam when I had the anticipated deployment and he made a few phone calls to make arrangements so that I could take my exam in another location the day prior to my deployment. Throughout my career his kindness and commitment shone through brightly; his support of myself and other officers was evident. I am so sad to hear of his passing but know that the lasting positive impact he had upon people was exponential. He is truly missed. 
LT Maya Thompson

I am so saddened hearing the news of John’s passing. We were at Horn Lake High School together. We crossed paths in Whitehaven when he was at Black’s Apothecary and I was at Sears. What a great guy he was in school…intelligent, athletic, very witty and an all-around nice guy. We reconnected 50+years later at our reunion and then the Alumni Awards Banquet for him. I heard him speak at book stores a few times about his new  career in writing. His writing is riveting and I have several signed ones. He even included me in the first Chaos book, which was a wonderful honor.  God bless you, John, and heartfelt condolences to Vicki and the family. You will be missed by all that knew you.       Sara Davis Wood, class of 1964.

Mr and Mrs Babb moved to a house next door to us about 4 years ago.  We welcomed them  and introduced ourself.  We were delighted  to  have such a caring neighbor. I was trying to put a swing on the tree in my front yard ( for grandkids) and having difficulty to reach the branch.  Mr Babb brought his ladder and hung the swing all by himself.  He always helped  us with many of such issues.  We will miss our caring neighbor.  Rest in peace Mr Babb. May God bless his family with much needed strength to bear this tremendous loss.  

Reading through the many memories written on this page shows just how well respected RADM Babb (John) is; as a man and as a USPHS Officer (ditto to all those written and expressed far better than I could write).  Everyone should aspire to emulate John's professionalism and demeanor. My personal experience with John began my first day working as a USPS Officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Professionally, as the Bureau's Chief Pharmacist, John made sure I was given ample opportunity and mentoring to have a successful career (and you could rely on John to "have your back"). Personally, in the mid-90's I had leukemia and was treated at Walter Reed for many months. He and Vicki we so kind to me, my wife, and my family; for which we will be forever grateful. As for John as a writer, my whole family has read several of his books and we enjoy his writing style (and Vicki's artwork is second to none). You can't put them down once you start! To Vicki and family, the Dittert's send our deepest condolences. Be assured John is universally beloved and respected in his profession by his friends and colleagues. Rest in Peace John.

I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. I can remember him working at Black's Apothecary 50+ years ago and throughout the years at his wife Vicky's WHS reunions. (We were in the class of 67 together.) I have read several of his books which he was kind enough to sign for me. He was a talented man and a really nice person. He will be missed.

Can’t forget the day John took me to dig tress from the near by lake in Memphis and later dig them in my front yard.  John and Victoria will be always in my memory as the nicest and kindest couples I ever have the pleasure to share time with. God Bless 🙏

RADM Babb: A moral humility and a moral compass for us all, that was for him, as natural and unremarkable as breathing.  

I always enjoyed working with Admiral Babb and have had the utmost respect for him.  His intelligence and kindness showed up in all did.  He will be missed by all who knew him.

Honor, humor, humility…patriot, role model, mentor, selfless leader, officer, gentleman, friend.  The list of John’s attributes is endless…he had them all.  A man of impeccable officership, character and utmost integrity.  The country, corps, and countless citizens and officers are better because of him.   John - My deepest appreciation and thanks for everything you have done.  You made me better.  I will miss you tremendously.   May you Rest In Peace.  Vicki - may God bless you and your family during this time.  You will forever remain in my thoughts and prayers.  Very Sincerely, Chris Bina, RADM USPHS

I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to your family for your loss. I knew John as a fellow officer in the USPHS. I worked with and for him at the Federal Bureau of Prisons but we had crossed paths in PHS pharmacy earlier in our careers. I was awed by his transition as an author after his retirement. Please know that my thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
CAPT Syrena Gatewood, USPHS Ret

I always called him Dude. The day he made admiral l called him on the phone and just said Dude!! I will miss you Dude. Really miss you. You were my buddy.

Guided by Grace, strengthened with resilience, & powered by perseverance. Sir, your presence has indeed impacted many lives. For this reason, I am forever grateful. May kind memories comfort 
family and friends.


The world lost a great one, RIP RADM Babb.  



My condolences to the family of RADM John Babb. I will always remember his support and leadership when I was a USPHS Commissioned Officer. This was especially true during the 9/11 and anthrax attacks. As others have stated, his contributions to the Corps and our country and mentorship are exemplary.   RADM Babb and I had been communicating since he began writing his novels which I enjoyed. He recently sent me an autographed copy of his latest book which will have a special place on my bookshelf. Our nation and countless of his colleagues are better because of RADM Babb. 

I was blessed to work closely with John when I was the Pharmacy CPO.  The Public Health Service has always had the best and brightest pharmacists and John was the epitome of that.  He could always be counted on to step up and do what was right.  He was an Officer and a gentleman at all times and a mentor and friend to all.  As a true leader, he led by example and always took care of the troops.  The pharmacy profession, the Commissioned Corp, and our country have lost "one of a kind."  Vicki and family, our deepest condolences and sincere thanks for sharing John with all of us.  He will not be forgotten.  Fred Paavola, RADM USPHS (Ret), former Pharmacy CPO.

It was my privilege to know John very early in his PHS service and to track his exemplary career over many years. A born leader and committed public health professional, he always made service his top priority.  His positive impact on beneficiaries and colleagues alike will long be remembered.  Our most sincere sympathies to Vicki and family on their loss.   Dick Bertin, RADM, USPHS (Ret.)  former Pharmacy CPO.

I am speechless! ADM Babb a great mentor, colleague and friend! Sir, thank you for all you did for the Corps. You led and guided so many officers! It is because of your untiring efforts that there exists a Ready Deployable Force of public health officers. I am honored to have had a privilege of having worked with you and learned from you! Vicky and family! Many condolences and thank you for sharing John with USPHS and the Nation! 🇺🇸

Both Jamie and I caught our breath when we heard we've lost John. Such a wonderful person, leader, colleague, friend. His gentle strength touched many. Mike Davidson, RADM, USPHS, retired.


I am so sad to hear of RADM Babb’s passing - I had known RADM Babb since his days at HHS HQ but over the past six years, RADM Babb had been a consistent supporter and mentor; 
I enjoyed our conversations, especially his assessments of the issues that we face each and every day.

My most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Vicki and to the rest of the family. May he rest in Peace and May his memories be a blessing for years to come.                        


Mehran Massoudi,
CAPT, USPHS, 
Regional Health Administrator, Region 6

Admiral Babb was the quintessential uniformed service leader.  Consistently kind, encouraging, thoughtful and pleasant, he set an example for how someone in authority over others should behave.  I have so many memories of comments he made that were meant to uplift and encourage both myself and others. Despite his stature as a high ranking officer he treated all as his colleagues and equals. He left an indelible mark on everyone he interacted with.  May he rest in peace and his loved ones find comfort in his life well lived.

John, was the embodiment of all we aspire to be. A humble knowledgeable, thoughtful compassionate and selfless leader. 
We are all better for being in his presence. 
I am deeply saddened by his loss and elated that I was fortunate enough to be touched by this exemplary leader. 
To Vicki and family my sincerest condolences and my profound thanks for you lending John to us to address the needs of a challenging world.
Rich
VADM(Ret) Richard Carmona
17th Surgeon General of The United States

My heart is heavy hearing of RADM Babb's passing. He was very supportive and honest with a young Pharmacy LT in 2004 about not leaving the corps because he was not promoted. I thank him for his words, support, and mentorship. It changed my life and career..
RDML Cedric Guyton

I will forever be grateful that I was able to count John as a friend. He was everything good and such an invaluable source of knowledge and encouragement. I will cherish our fun writing memories (en /em dashes always make me think of him and smile), as well as the stories he told. May we all be as kind and genuine as he was. Until we meet again, John. 

I feel fortunate to have met John. He was a humble man who made great contributions to his country and assisted others through times of crisis. He acted on behalf of the greater good- not on behalf of himself or to push an agenda. We need to follow his example, now more than ever.  Rest In Peace. 

Saddened to hear of RADM Babb’s passing. Deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. He was truly a servant leader. As a new officer in the Corps many years ago, John provided the leadership and guidance I needed as as an officer under his tutelage. Thank you to him for the numerous lives he touched and His unparalleled Service to our country! ‘In Officio Salutis’

RADM Babb was a truly kind, caring gentleman. He was soft quiet, thoughtful, and always approachable.  What a lovely man. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.  

Dear Vicki and family,

I am so very sorry to hear about John. We worked closely together after September 11 as part of the senior leadership team for the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the Department of Health and Human Services. John was a dedicated public servant. I admired his leadership and commitment to accomplishing the mission. 

More recently, I was privileged to receive a personalized  inscription  in his first published book.  

My deepest sympathies to your and your family. 

Mary Pat

I am saddened to learn of John Babb’s passing. To all of us, and so many others, his selfless devotion to service, his pursuit of excellence, his proven ability to overcome administrative impediments, his fundamental belief in the goodness of others, his patriotism that never spilled over into nationalism, his vision for what the Corps could be and his willingness to protect and defend those under his command and his light-heartedness punctuated with dry humor serve as enduring examples for many years to come. I know he will be missed by those that new him. And, I feel sorry for those that didn’t know him, who will not have the honor to see and learn from one who embodied so many of the qualities to which officers aspire. God speed, John. No doubt you are soaring in a world of light and happiness. May your welcome there befit your station as a humble luminary amongst men and women who serve.

I am so deeply saddened to hear of RADM Babb’s passing. He was such a wonderful person and the epitome of a servant leader.  What an honor to have served with him in Commissioned Corps HQ - I frequently sought his wise counsel and benefited more than once from his steadfast support. My condolences to his family. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched. 
Margie Wallace (CAPT, USPHS, Retired)

Always available to talk and gave great advice!

Great photo and memory on the USS Kitty Hawk (1997).

RIP my friend!



To my sadness I only knew John for a little under a year. However, in that short time he became a friend and mentor. Without his constant support and encouragement I would never have put pen to paper let alone have my first published work.

Conversation with him often turned philosophical and his subtle drawing out of ideas often lead to a flash a few hours later with "So that's what he meant".

We have lost a gentleman, a scholar and a man I deeply respected.

Godspeed John.

Dave Appleby


I am so sorry to hear of John's passing and my thought and prayers are with your family.  John was a great mentor and a good friend.  He truly cared about the individual and would reach out to assist in any way possible.  He presented me with my first award as a PHS officer in the Bureau of Prisons at a residential training meeting in the early 1990s.  We struggled through national P&T meetings together where I was once yelled at by a physician for standing my ground on a medication issue.  I looked and John and he just game me that smile he often used to say great job; never saying a word.   I had tremendous respect for John and much of my success came as a result of his mentoring.  He was one of the good ones and will be missed.   All the best.  Ty Bingham, CPO, Pharmacist Category,
Rear Admiral, USPHS

Baruch Dayan Emet. I am so very sad. My deepest condolences to Vicki and RADM Babbs’ whole family. I shall not be so forward as to be able to call RADM Babb a friend, but after he retired (and I called him for numerous times I needed guidance), he asked I call him John. What was so beautiful about RADM Babb is that he looked out for all of us, even when we were not his direct reports, even when he was several ranks above us. He mentored us. He guided us. He answered the phone we we found ourselves in complex situations and needed a sounding board. He was a consummate gentleman. He was the RADM who held the door open for us, even when protocol was we should hold it for him. I am forever grateful I was able to serve in the USPHS with such a humble yet influential man. May you find comfort in your memories. Thank you for sharing him with us.

OBITUARY

Rear Admiral (ret.) John T. Babb, USPHS

December 29, 1946 – June 14, 2022

Collierville Funeral Home

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