John Kenneth Baisch

John K. Baisch

December 18, 1921 – July 23, 2017

On December 18, 1921, in Hazelton, Idaho, John Kenneth Baisch was welcomed into this world by his parents, John A. Baisch Jr. and Metta Gorrell Baisch.  He grew up on his family farm in Hazelton until his father decided that farming was not what he wanted to do. 

His father and mother decided to build a family home in Twin Falls.  This home was built on the corner of Addison and Fillmore and is now known as Fillmore Inn.

While attending Twin Falls High School, John became interested in Preforming Arts and was often seen in the plays produced at the school.

John eventually went to work for his father in the oil industry and was often seen delivering gas and oil to other stations as well as to farmers in Magic Valley.

He also helped his father refuel private planes at the airport and that inspired his love of flying.

John told his children a story of one of his fondest memories about how he helped fuel Jimmy Doolittle’s plane as a young boy and later was able to meet him. He said he always wanted to learn to fly.

His father later expanded into the auto dealership where John loved to courier cars from place to place.

Upon his graduation from Twin Falls High School, John went on to the College of Idaho to continue his education and his love of History.  While in college, World War II had started and John was called into active duty.

John started his active duty as an Aviation Cadet in July 1942.  This was quite an accomplishment because John had to convince his training officers that even though he only had four fingers on his right hand, (due to a childhood accident), he could still be a valuable pilot. He succeeded! After his preflight training and logging multiple hours of flight time, John was sent to RAF (Royal Air Force) Flight Training School at Falcon Field near Mesa, Arizona known as BTF4.  Upon graduation he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant and received his RAF wings in July 1943.  He later returned to the US Army Air Corps and was sent to Continental Airlines where he received additional training.  From there he went to Long Beach and Palm Spring as part of the ATC (Air Trans Command) Ferry Command delivering new planes to the South Pacific and U.S.

In November of 1944, John became part of the India China Division (CBI – China Burmese India) where he flew the “Hump,” carrying supplies and troops over the Himalayas during WWII.  In June 1945 he was promoted to Captain.  John was then given orders to return to the states in July 1945 and was stationed at the Lathrop Holding and Reconsignment Point near Stockton, California and flew for the Army Airlines and was Assistant Director of Supply and Service.

John received the Distinguished Flying Cross in March of 1945 and two separate Awards of the Air medals, the first in January of 1945 and the second in April of 1945.  Along with earning RAF and U.S. Pilot’s wings, he was later recognized by the Chinese government and was awarded Chinese Pilot’s wings.

He left the active Army Air Corps in December of 1946.  In 1948 the flight division became the Air Force. At this time, John became an Air Force pilot and a reservist.

Shortly before his release from the Air Force, John met the love of his life, Alda Livia Basso, in Stockton, California where Alda worked on the base where John was station.  After a short world wind romance and upon John’s discharge from active duty, John and Alda eloped in Reno, NV.  John and Alda moved back to Idaho. 

John went back to work for his father in an auto dealership in Twin Falls and often told stories about how he had to go the dealership and stoke the furnace to heat up the place before opening.

John kept his love for his country and the Air Force alive by becoming an active member in the Air Force Reserves.

He was promoted to Major in 1953, then to Lt. Col. In October of 1960.  In 1968 he was commander of the local (Twin Falls, Idaho) reserve unit.  During this time he taught Aerospace Education workshops at colleges and universities in Idaho and Utah.  He was also an advisor for the Civil Air Patrol.

John was again promoted in 1970 to a Colonel.  He officially retired on August 26, 1975.  He served a total of 33 years.

John’ Military Accomplishments

Ferry Command

Hump Pilot during WWII

Assistant director of Supply and Service

Commander of local Reserve Unit

Instructor of Aerospace Courses in Idaho and Utah

Advisor to Civil Air Patrol

John went to work for Theisen Motors as their Parts Manager for over 30 years.  During this time, he saw many changes in Twin Falls.  After the passing of his beloved wife, John went to work for Middlekauff Honda on a limited part time basis until his health prevented him from continuing on.

John and Alda had six children; Camille, David, Susanne, Deborah, John and Gregory.  They are the pride of their parents’ life.

After John’s retirement from Theisen Motors, he and Alda had the opportunity to travel.  Of course there were trips to see children and grandchildren, but they traveled to Italy, China, and Australia.  These were major highlights for them.

John was preceded in death by his father, John A. Baisch, his mother, Metta Gorrell Baisch, his beloved wife, Alda Basso Baisch, his oldest daughter, Camille Baisch Hogue, and his brothers, Robert William Baisch and Donald Baisch.

He is survived by his 5 children, David (Theresa) Baisch, Susanne (Garry) Young, Deborah (William) Stuart, John (Terri) Baisch, Gregory (Laurie) Baisch and his son-in-law Royce Hogue.  There are 8 grandchildren, Jeffery Hogue, Robert Hogue, Staci Baisch, Amie Anderton, Amanda Stuart, Hailey Nelson, Adam Baisch, and Sam Baisch.  There are 5 great grandchildren.

There will be a Rosary at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home at 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 3rd. Funeral Services will be at St. Edwards Catholic Church, Friday, August 4th at 10:00 am.  Please come celebrate John’s life with us.