John Valentine Baum was born in New Rochelle, NY February 29, 1944 and died on May 8, 2021 at the age of 77. He graduated from Boca Ciega High school in Gulfport, FL. 1962. He obtained his undergraduate degree followed by his law degree from the University of Florida in 1971. He served in the Vietnam War and was a veteran of the US Army Intelligence Program 1968-1969. He practiced law in Orlando, FL for many years, and was also a trustee with the Orlando Chapter of the BPOE. John had a tremendous love for music, reading, World and American history, movies, Gator football, and photography. He was survived by his brother Albert Baum, his wife Barbara Sue Baum, his daughter Erika Botfeld, and his two granddaughters.