John Hagan Baskin Jr. Dr.
April 13, 1931 ~ March 4, 2014
Born in:
Atlanta, Georgia
Resided in:
Stone Mountain, Georgia
Dr. John Hagan Baskin, Jr., passed away March 4, 2014 at age 82, while walking to dinner with Shirley Ford Baskin, his wife of more than 61 years, with whom he planned to go dancing later in the evening. A man of intelligence, humor, and love, he was an exemplar of integrity.
Hagan was born to Eula Peacock and John Hagan Baskin, Sr., on April 13, 1931. He attended Boys High School and was in the first graduation class of Grady High, where he was class president and won the Journal Cup for excellence in the arts, athletics, and academics. While at Emory University he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
He had a distinguished career in medicine. In 1955, he graduated from the Emory School of Medicine where he was a member of the honorary medical society, Alpha Omega Alpha. He interned in surgery at New York-Cornell Medical Center and served his surgery residency at Grady Hospital from 1958-1962. In 1969, he received a fellowship to work with Dr. Michael DeBakey in peripheral vascular surgery in Houston. He had a long and successful medical practice with Dr. Dan Jordan at Piedmont Hospital and DeKalb Medical Center. He was a member of the Medical Association of Atlanta, the Southern Vascular Society, and the Atlanta Clinical Society.
Hagan’s life was rich even beyond his professional career. He served for many years as a deacon and Sunday School teacher at Druid Hills Baptist Church. He was a Silver Life Master at duplicate bridge. He played ALTA tennis many years, and he ran a few Peachtree Road Races. He and Shirley loved attending classes at Mercer’s Senior University. At Park Springs retirement community, a stimulating lifestyle allowed him to be independent despite his progressive macular degeneration.
Hagan is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; his children, John Baskin and Cathy of Springfield, VA; Ford Baskin and Nanette of Savannah, GA; James Baskin of Decatur; Elizabeth Baskin Julian and Mark of Dunwoody; and his 8 grandchildren: Jesse, Chelsea Baskin Holman (Nathan), Jake, John, Will, Amanda, Adam, and David.
A memorial service will be held for Hagan at Druid Hills Baptist Church at 2 pm on Sunday, March 9. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Atlanta Metro Library for Accessible Services ("Library for the Blind") of the Atlanta Fulton County Library System, One Margaret Mitchell Square, 4th Floor, Atlanta, GA, 30303.
My condolences go out to the entire family. Though I have no ties to the deceased or family, I would still like to leave a comforting thought. It is very hard to lose a cherished loved one. Please take great comfort in knowing that you all have the opportunity to see your loved one again. God will call and they will answer! (John 5:28,29)
Ford and Family,
Please know that you are very much in our prayers at this time. It is always very difficult to lose one we love so much. I did not know your Dad but in reading his obituary I feel that he is a man I would have very much enjoyed being around. My heart reaches out to you and hopefully you will be strengthened by the many prayers being lifted up for you.
Kevin
Ford and Nanette,
Deanne let us know about your father. Van and I were saddened to hear the news. Please know that you are in our prayers as well as your mother. Van’s father is celebrating his 80th birthday this weekend in South Georgia or we would be at your father’s service. Know that we will be thinking of you!
Love, Tracy and Van
You and your family have my deepest sympathy for your loss. The Bible promises the resurrection hope for our loved ones who have fallen asleep in death. (John 5:28, 29)
My wife Shirley and I were great friends the Baskins’ at Park Springs. However, Hagan and I had a unique experience as early morning walkers, shared in addition by our Australian Shepherd, Happy. We talked and laughed, we shared thoughts and beliefs, we discussed everything from politics to the latest book he was listening to. Hagan always reflected a certain quiet peace that reflected his faith in God. We felt close and Happy loved him as well. I shall always remember those times together.
Dale and I were sadden to learn of Hagan’s death. We have fond memories of serving with the family at Druid Hills Baptist in the 1970’s. May God’s presence and love give each of you peace, hope, and comfort. Our kindest regards and sympathy.
Tell Chelsea, I love her. Sorry for your loss!