Major Janna "Jay" Rockwell Baumgardner (USMC- Ret.)

BAUMGARDNER, Major Janna Rockwell “Jay” (USMC-Ret.) 92 of Mechanicsville, VA entered eternal rest on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon B. and Louise Stickley Baumgardner; two sisters, Hortense B. Ralls, and Norene B. Mathews; his first wife of over 59 years, Mary Jane Baumgardner; and his beloved dog, Sam. He is survived by his wife, Marie Williams Baumgardner; his daughter, Patricia Sheehan (Tom); his loving granddaughter, Shannon Sheets (Travis); two great-grandsons, Connor and Fletcher Sheets; three stepchildren, Pam Lewis (Shannon), Scott Williams, and Journey Williams (Joe Dyer); three step-grandsons, Brock and Mason Lewis and Ryland Williams; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and brothers in the Corp. Jay graduated from Front Royal High School where he was senior class president. He was deeply proud that he never missed a single class reunion until they ended in 2016. As a young boy, he spent summers with his grandfather Stickley, who was a Methodist Circuit Minister. Jay enjoyed visiting the many churches with him, especially the lunches on the grounds.  After graduation, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps where he proudly served for 26 years, 3 months, and 2 days, including tours in Vietnam, Korea, and Santa Domingo. He was a Mustang and retired as a Major. His favorite assignment was Drill Sergeant. He was honored to turn those fresh-faced boys into brave and courageous fighting men. While stationed in Hawaii, he was chosen to serve as an extra in the movie, “South Pacific” with Mitzi Gaynor, where he was tasked with singing in the choir repeatedly until they got it perfect. Jay was an active member of the American Legion Post 95, and VFW Post 9808, where he held many offices over the years, and was honored as one of the oldest living members of the VFW. He was also a member of several area Lions Clubs where he received the prestigious Melvin Jones Award and recently received an award for 45 years of faithful service. He was a long-time Front Royal United Methodist Church member and recently joined Marie in membership at Fairmount Christian Church. Jay was an animal lover, and passionate about donating to multiple animal rescue groups. He was a meticulous dresser, an avid Redskins fan, and an all-around kind and compassionate person. He was a history buff and enjoyed reading books about the presidents and other historical figures. He loved westerns and John Wayne. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be greatly missed. The family will receive friends from 11 am - 12 pm, Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Fairmount Christian Church, 6502 Creighton Rd., Mechanicsville, VA 23111, with a funeral service to immediately follow at noon with a reception afterward at the church. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Fairmount Christian Church Onward Campaign. 

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