Joseph Baggett Obituary

Captain Joseph Edward "Joe" Baggett (JAGC, US Navy Ret.), beloved father, grandfather, brother uncle, and spouse, died June 23, 2025. Days shy of participating as a Vietnam Vet in a Fairfax County neighborhood July 4th celebration, Joe tragically lost his life in a drowning accident while vacationing with his family in Delaware. Upon graduation from London Central High School in London, England, Joe flew to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he attended Tulane University on a Navy ROTC scholarship. He graduated as a Phi Beta Kappa with dual degrees in history and political science in 1971 and was commissioned as an ensign in the Supply Corps. Assigned to the USS Rich, the destroyer conducted a Vietnam War combat deployment (including heavy gunfire support operations) from October 1972 until 13 minutes before the 27 January cease fire. In 1974 he transferred to the Navy legal program which sent him to Tulane University Law School from which he received an LLM and earned the Admiralty prize. The rest of Joe's 29.5-year naval career was highlighted by assignments to Commander Middle East Force on board USS LaSalle and USS Coronado, Commander Iceland Defense Force, and Commander 6th Fleet (Gaeta, Italy) on board the USS Belknap and USS Iowa. Interspersed were tours in the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs, the International Law Division of the Office of the Judge Advocate General, and the University of Miami where he earned a Masters of Law degree in Ocean and Coastal Law. Additionally, Joe served on the Joint Staff's Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate, as Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General for International Law, and as the Defense Department Representative for Ocean Policy. In his final tours, he served as the Senior Staff Judge Advocate for the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, the Commanding Officer of the Navy's flagship Naval Legal Service Office, Norfolk, Virginia, and Director of the Legislation Division in the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs. As a civilian, Joe was the Deputy Division Director, International and Operational Law Division for the Naval Civil Law Support Activity, Washington, DC. for fifteen years. Honorable and ethical, Joe's life reflected his belief in the rule of law and the best of America-serving just 2 weeks ago as an Assistant Chief for a Fairfax County voting precinct. Strong in his faith, he served his church as its treasurer, usher, and Stephen Minister. A fervent walker, reader, and gardener, Joe loved following sports – especially horse racing, the Nats and the Commanders! Joe is survived by his wife of 52.6 years, Suzanne Bringier McConnell whom he met on a blind date his freshman year at Tulane. (Hence their love affair with New Orleans.) And by his sons Merritt and Graham Baggett (wife Courtney) and their 4 children - Jude, Hope, Rose, and Holly Joy; his sisters Jean Driver (Jimmy) and Carol Watts (Phillip); his nephews Rick Nehls, Blake (Brandy) and Landon and niece Ansley. And by his sister-in-law Sarah McConnell (Bob Gibson) and brothers-in-law Bringier McConnell (Sally) and Logan McConnell (Sima); and by nieces in law, Cole McConnell, Adele McConnell (James), Helen Gibson (Niko), Logan Gibson (Ali), and Stella Gibson (Ryan). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to MPN Research Foundation at mpnresearchfoundation.org. A memorial service will be held 2 pm Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1090 Sterling Road, Herndon, VA. Interment at Arlington Cemetery in a few months. Online visitors may sign the guest register at Adams-Green Funeral Home & Crematory.