John Jacob Abendschan Jr.

John Jacob Abendschan, lovingly known as Jack, passed away peacefully on the evening of December 15, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas, at the age of 82, just three days shy of his 83rd birthday. Born on December 18, 1942, in San Francisco, California, to Jack and Mary Lou Abendschan, Jack’s family relocated several times during his early years. They first moved to Golden, Colorado, then to Long Beach, California, followed by Taft. The family later settled in New Mexico, living in Aztec and Farmington, before returning to San Anselmo, California. Eventually, they moved back to New Mexico, where Jack graduated from Eunice High School in 1961.

Jack attended the University of New Mexico, where he excelled as a standout offensive guard, defensive tackle and kicker, earning recognition for his exceptional talent and dedication to the game. In 2008, he was inducted into the UNM Athletic Hall of Honor. While playing at UNM, his skill and determination on the field caught the attention of professional scouts, and he was soon drafted to play for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

As a Roughrider, Jack became one of the most reliable and versatile players in the league, known for his powerful kicking and his strength on the offensive line. He played a pivotal role in the team’s success, including their historic Grey Cup victory in 1966, the first in the franchise’s history. Jack’s contributions to the game earned him numerous accolades, including multiple CFL All-Star selections. He was widely respected by teammates, opponents, and fans alike. In 2012, he was inducted into the Canadian Hall of Fame.

While dementia took away Jack’s short-term memories, he could still recall games and times in Regina. His humor to the end was infectious. He had nicknames for his children and always accompanied them with a song. They would be on repeat, as dementia can do, but he loved them all. He adored his wife and was devoted to Jesus Christ, which is the greatest victory. He’s in heaven singing Elvis, dancing better than most, and making everyone feel important. He could work a crowd. He didn’t know a stranger. He wasn’t born in Regina like his children, but he got there as soon as Eagle Keys could draft him. Eleven years as a Rider filled the Abendschan house with fun and memories. He loved the Riders, and his son was able to tell him about this year’s Grey Cup win. He left us peacefully and is not hurting anymore. Knowing he’s in heaven helps ease the earthly pain.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Marjorie, of Lubbock; his children, Christina Witta and spouse Chuck, of Saginaw, and their two sons, Sage and Isaac; Shelley Huguley and spouse Preston, and their three children, Breely, Brennon, and HalleeKate; John Abendschan and spouse Sherry, and their three daughters, Zoe, Ali, and Lily; and Jennifer James and spouse Cary, of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, and daughters Kate Kozer and Hailey Hughes. He is also survived by five stepchildren: Rick Holland and spouse Cindy Haughton, La., and two sons Jimmy and Max; Vince Stephenson and spouse Trisha, Lovington, NM, and children Jennifer, Kimberly, Chad, and Clay; Carla Clark and spouse Noel, Highlands Ranch, CO, and their children Jordan, Nathan and Paxton; Blake Stephenson and spouse Kenda, Odessa, Texas, and their two sons Kaleb & Josh; and Jeanne Stephenson, Alamogordo, NM. Additionally, he is survived by two brothers, Ron Abendschan of Gilbert, Arizona, and Bob Abendschan of Big Spring, Texas, and his sister, Beth Gabel, and her spouse Larry, of Colby, Kansas. Jack was preceded in death by his parents. He left this world peacefully, free from pain and confusion, and surrounded by the love of his family.

Special thanks to Jack’s caretakers, including the staff at Brookdale Monterey and Enhabit Hospice, who lovingly attended to him until his passing. Not only did they care for him, but sang his recent favorite song, “American Pie,” on repeat and even played it on their phones for him.

A visitation will be held at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers, located at 6025 82nd St., Lubbock, TX 79424, on December 22, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will take place at the same venue on December 23, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The committal service will be held at Snyder Cemetery Associates, located at 802 Avenue E, Snyder, TX 79549, on December 23, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to LIFE Outreach Water for Life, Fort Worth, and Enhabit Hospice, Lubbock, in Jack’s memory.

Jack will be missed by those who knew him, but his love, humor, and larger-than-life presence will remain in our hearts forever.