Jim Pufal

Jim Pufal affectionately known as “Coach” passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2016. He is survived by his Wife of 49 years, Carolyn, Son: Patrick Pufal (Alma), Daughter: Stephanie, Granddaughter: Allison, and Beloved Friend “BO”. He was preceded in death by his Parents: Edwin and Luisa Pufal, Sister: Mary Kelly, Brothers: George Hitzfeldt, Edwin, Clarence, Robert, and Twin Brother: Jack Pufal.He was a Veteran of the U.S. Military, a Proud Graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He received his Master’s Degree from the University of Texas at El Paso. He retired as an educator from the Ysleta Independent School District. His long career included coaching at Bel Air, Parkland, Eastwood and the first head football coach at Hanks High School. Coach Pufal completed his public school service as a counselor and administrator. He also served as an adjunct professor for the University of Minnesota. Some of his accomplishments included: Head Coach for two years at the “Greater El Paso Football High School All Star Game “1994 to 1995”. He was inducted into the “El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996”, and was a life member of the Longhorn Foundation. Pallbearers will be his nephews. Honorary pallbearers are all of his former athletes. The family would like to thank Del Sol Medical Center and Staff as well as Dr. Onyema Amakiri for their care during his illness also a Special Thanks to the staff at Christian Serenity Foster Care. Memorial contributions may be made to the YISD Education Foundation, 9600 Sims, El Paso, Texas 79925. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 form 5:00-9:00pm at Hillcrest Funeral Home-Carolina with a Rosary at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 12:30pm at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church with Interment to follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery ETA: 2:00pm. Services are under the direction of Hillcrest Funeral Home, 1060 North Carolina Dr. 915-598-3332.