John Baptist Aragon was born on July 12, 1930 in Los Angeles, California and passed away on June 21, 2017 - just shy of his 87th birthday.  John attended St. Ignatius of Loyola grammar school, Loyola High School, Pasadena City College and graduated from Loyola University.

After graduation from Loyola University in 1954 John entered the US Air Force and graduated from the pilot training program.  John was an accomplished fighter pilot and a T-33 instructor, and flew the F-86 and F-100 aircrafts.  During his service John earned the following commendations: Bronze Star, Bronze Service Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and many others. John achieved rank of Lt. Colonel and retired from the USAF in 1974.

After retiring from the USAF John became a watercolor artist and eventually opened a gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. John was active in many art organizations, including the Santa Fe Society of Artists.

John’s interests throughout his life included sports, particularly baseball which earned him a scholarship to both Loyola High School and Loyola University.   

John is survived by his wife of 63 years, EmaLen Charlotte Aragon;  children Taina Benson, John (and wife Dawn) Aragon, and Lara Aragon (and husband Chris Pardington); 6 grand children and 4 great grandchildren; siblings Patricia (Aragon) Costa, James (Marilyn) Aragon; and Gloria (Charles) Rooney.

Friends are invited to attend the memorial service at 10AM on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at PRICE FUNERAL CHAPEL (6335 Sunrise Blvd., Citrus Heights, Calif., 916-725-2109) and are welcome to attend the graveside service with full military honors later the same day at 1:30PM at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery (5810 Midway Rd., Dixon, Calif.)

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to St. Ignatius of Loyola School http://www.stignatiusla.org/support-us/. 

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