Captain John J. Sax was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandson, cousin, and friend. He leaves behind his wife, Amber, and their two children – the first named Eleanor, and the other, Emma, due to arrive in September of this year. He is the son of Deborah Sax and Stephen Sax, and the brother of Lauren Boyd. John was not just an incredible pilot who chose to dedicate his life to aviation, but a Marine to his core. John embodied the many characteristics that come with being a Marine and lived a life of service with an exceptional love for his fellow brothers and sisters in service. To know John was to love John, and his passion for his purpose and the many principles that he was raised with by his parents, Stephen and Deborah, radiated throughout every area of his life. John carried those incredible qualities throughout every aspect of his life, living a life of integrity and constantly searching for ways that he could be of service or show love to any person that he met. John had many incredible influences in his life that helped create the man who he ultimately became, and he always had such a deep gratitude to the many friends and family that supported, protected, and nurtured his dream to become a military pilot. Throughout each accomplishment and milestone in his career and life, he always directed recognition back to his family and friends and lived with a humility and an understanding of the incredible responsibility that also came with them. John has dreamed of becoming a military pilot since childhood, which was a dream that came to fruition through hard work and sheer determination. He attended college at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ, where he earned his Bachelors in Aeronautical Science in addition to Private and Commercial Pilot’s Licenses and Multi-Engine Rating.  He then went on to become a Certified Flight Instructor back in Northern California prior to leaving for Officer Candidates School in late 2016. Throughout John’s military career, he had the privilege of flying the T-6B Texan II with the VT-6 “Shooters”, the T-45C Goshawk with the VT-21 “Redhawks”, the TH-57B and C with the HT-8 “Eightballers”, The T-44C Pegasus with the VT-35 “Stingrays,” and the MV-22B Osprey with the VMMT- 204 “Raptors”, the VMM-764 “Moonlighters”, and the VMM-364, known as the World Famous “Purple Foxes”. Those that have met John would describe him as someone that constantly was looking for ways to lift others up and never take for granted the opportunity to make someone feel appreciated, loved, and joyful. His sense of humor was one of his greatest qualities, having such a gift with knowing what to say or do to bring someone a smile or a laugh even on their most difficult days. Each of these qualities and so many more are what made John such an incredible husband and father. His legacy will live on through his wife, children, family, friends, and all of those that have known or loved John.