John’s Story
Capt. John J. Sax was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandson, cousin, nephew, and friend. He leaves behind his wife and two daughters, along with countless cherished memories held in the hearts of all who knew him.
“To know John is to love John.” His friends and family often recall his warm smile, contagious laughter, and joyful spirit. John had a remarkable ability to connect with others, quickly becoming a friend to anyone he met. His love for his family and his fellow brothers and sisters in service radiated through everything he did.
Discovering His Love for Aviation
John was born in Torrance, California, and spent most of his childhood in the Sacramento area. His passion for aviation was sparked at age 8 after a single flight in a Yak-52. Like many with a love for flight, he would pause to look up whenever a plane flew overhead. While most kids his age played traditional childhood games, John could be found pretending he was in a cockpit, imagining himself flying. He spent countless days attending air shows with his family, wandering the pits, climbing into cockpits, and talking shop with race crews.
It was clear to everyone who met John that becoming a pilot was his lifelong dream. His family and closest friends were instrumental in cheering him on as he worked toward that goal. At every milestone, John humbly directed recognition back to them, knowing their love and encouragement helped pave the way.
Ready for Takeoff
John attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at the Prescott, AZ campus, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science in 2013. In 2010, he completed his first solo flight—one of many aviation milestones during his time at Embry-Riddle. He went on to earn his Private and Commercial Pilot Certificates, along with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings.
Embry-Riddle was not only where John learned to fly but also where he met his best friend, Sasha, who now serves on our board of directors as CFO.
Teaching and Mentoring
After graduating from college, John returned to Northern California and began dating Amber, who he had met the year prior during a visit “back home.” She would later go on to become his wife.
He became a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) while preparing for his upcoming Officer Candidate School (OCS) selection board with the Marine Corps. As a flight instructor, John quickly earned a reputation in the local aviation community for his passion for teaching and mentoring others. When he wasn’t instructing, he could often be found giving sightseeing flight tours along the California coastline or enjoying paramotoring (powered paragliding).
Semper Fidelis
In 2016, John was overjoyed to receive the news that his hard work over the past several years had paid off – his application package had been unanimously approved by the selection board. That fall, he would attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Quantico, Virginia, to begin his journey as a Marine Corps officer. Knowing this milestone would shape their future, John carefully selected a ring and asked for permission to request Amber’s hand in marriage. The night before he left for OCS, he proposed, and Amber enthusiastically said yes, marking the beginning of this new chapter for both of their lives.
John completed OCS in November 2016 and went on to attend The Basic School (TBS) in 2017. It was during this time that John and Amber were married, surrounded by friends and family.
A Devoted Husband
John and Amber first met in Northern California, where they both grew up. Years later, they were married in Sacramento, California.
As newlyweds, they embarked on their new adventure together, leaving their hometown near Sacramento for NAS Pensacola, where John began flight training and took the first steps toward his dream of becoming a Marine Aviator. That journey would lead them through many moves and aircraft transitions—from Florida, to Texas, then North Carolina, and finally to Southern California.
Amber will always treasure that one of life’s greatest gifts was the chance to watch John’s dreams unfold—to see him become the man, the Marine, the aviator, and the father he had always aspired to be. She believed in chasing what called to his heart, no matter where it led. For her, it never mattered where they went or what he was flying; as long as John was happy, she was too.
Flight School
John attended the Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API) class 17-46 where he finally earned his long awaited right to don a military flight suit. He checked into the VT-6 “Shooters”, where he flew the T-6B Texan II. A natural pilot, he showed a high level of aptitude and was subsequently selected for Advanced Jet Training.
In the summer of 2018, Captain Sax moved to Kingsville, TX to begin his training with the VT-21 RedHawks, where he learned to fly the T-45C Goshawk. Nearing the end of the training syllabus, Captain Sax accepted a transfer to the V-22 Osprey pipeline, which brought him back to Pensacola to complete intermediate helicopter training in the TH-57 B and C as an HT-8 “Eightballer”.
At the completion of helicopter training, he reported to Corpus Christi to fly the T-44C Pegasus, a multi-engine trainer to prepare for the dual engine characteristics of the MV-22B. At the conclusion of multi-engine training, John was designated a Marine Corps Aviator and received his “Wings of Gold” in October of 2020. His oldest daughter was in attendance at his winging ceremony as a newborn, to witness Amber pin on his long awaited wings for the very first time.
Proud Girl Dad
John found out he was going to be a father on Valentine’s Day 2020, while training to hover at Whiting Field. He correctly predicted, without hesitation, that he would become a “girl dad,” a role he was destined for and couldn’t wait to embrace. Just six days before earning his Wings of Gold, John held his newborn daughter, Eleanor, in his arms for the very first time.
His joy only grew with the news that they would welcome a second daughter, Emma. To those who knew John, seeing him as a father was unforgettable. It was as if he had been preparing for that role his whole life. Just like flying, fatherhood was second nature to him – a calling that brought out the very best in who he was. His daughters were, without question, the heart of everything he did.
Wings of Gold
John achieved his lifelong dream of earning his “Wings of Gold” at NAS Corpus Christi in October 2020. From there, he reported to VMMT-204, the “Raptors,” in North Carolina before moving to Camp Pendleton, where he served with VMM-764, the “Moonlighters,” and eventually joined VMM-364, the “World Famous Purple Foxes.”
Joining the Purple Foxes to fly the MV-22B Osprey was a tremendous honor for John. He spoke with pride about being part of a squadron with such a rich history and strong reputation within the Marine Corps, often describing the Osprey as “the future of aviation.”
John deeply understood the high standards of the Purple Foxes and lived up to them in every way—through every mission and every action. Their motto – “GIVE A SHIT” became one of John’s personal mantras—a reminder to always give your full effort and heart to everything you do.
It was just as he was joining the Purple Foxes that John received the exciting news that he and Amber were expecting their second daughter, Emma, who would go on to be born three months after his passing.
SWIFT 1-1
In June 2022, John and four other Marines from VMM-364 “The World Famous Purple Foxes,” were tragically lost while conducting a training mission near Glamis, California, when their MV-22B Osprey suffered an unrecoverable, catastrophic mechanical failure.
The names of the four other fallen Marines of Swift 1-1 are:
Capt. Nicholas P. Losapio, 31, of Rockingham, N.H.
Cpl. Nathan E. Carlson, 21, of Winnebago, Ill.
Cpl. Seth D. Rasmuson, 21, of Johnson, Wyo.
Lance Cpl. Evan A. Strickland, 19, of Valencia, N.M.
With all we do, we honor these Marines and the sacrifice that they made, and we must dedicate ourselves to ensure that their legacy carries forward. Each of them leave behind families, friends, and so many others that loved them so tremendously.
There will never be a day where they aren’t continuing to live on in so many hearts and memories.
John’s Legacy
John was a devoted husband, loving father, proud Marine, and skilled pilot who was truly living his dream life. He pursued his passions with relentless determination and lived life to the fullest—something we can all carry into our own lives as a reminder to follow our dreams and embrace every moment.
John will continue to live on as we say his name and share his story, through the lives of his two beautiful daughters, and in the work we do to honor his memory. The Capt. Sax Foundation exists to inspire others to live like John—fearlessly chasing their dreams and embracing the belief that life begins at the end of our comfort zone.
His story will continue to be written through those who love him and through our scholarship recipients, each one pursuing their own aviation dreams and carrying his spirit forward.
Pilot’s Creed
I am a United States Marine flyer.
My countrymen built the best airplane in the world and entrusted it to the absolute limit of my power.
With my fellow pilots, air crews, and deck crews, my plane and I will do anything necessary to carry out our tremendous responsibilities. I will always remember that we are part of an unbeatable combat team – The United States Marine Corps.
When the going is fast and rough, I will not falter. I will be uncompromising in every blow I strike. I will be humble in victory.
I am a Marine Flyer. I have dedicated myself to my country, with its many millions of all races, colors, and creeds. They and their way of life are worthy of my greatest protective effort.
I ask the help of God in making that effort great enough.
