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Former A&M System Regent J.L. Huffines Passes

J.L. Huffines, 85, former member of the Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System, died Jan. 7 at his home in Dallas.
January 7, 2009

J.L. Huffines, 85, former member of the Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System, died Jan. 7 at his home in Dallas, family members announced.

The well-known Dallas businessman and graduate of Texas A&M University (’44), was appointed as a regent by Gov. Rick Perry on July 2, 2007. Huffines resigned from the board Dec. 6, 2008, citing health reasons.

The nine-member Board of Regents governs the A&M System, which consists of nine universities, seven state agencies and a health science center.

As a regent, Huffines served on the committees on finance, and buildings and physical plants. He was the board’s special liaison for the 12th Man Foundation, where he once had been president.

“I join the other members of the Board of Regents in expressing our deep sense of loss and sadness at the passing of our great friend and colleague,” said Bill Jones, chairman of the board. “J.L. was a pleasure to work with on the board and to know as an individual. He was devoted to doing the best for the A&M System and the people of Texas. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Sydney, and his family.”

A native of Lewisville, Huffines served in the U.S. Army in World War II and trained troops during the Korean War, achieving the rank of first lieutenant. He received the Texas A&M University Distinguished Alumnus Award and was inducted into the Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor. He was named to the Chancellor’s 21st Century Council of Advisors and the Evans Library Capital Campaign at Texas A&M.

Chairman of the Huffines Auto Dealerships in the North Texas region, Huffines had a lengthy career in civic affairs and public leadership. A former board member of the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, he was a trustee of the Medical School Foundation Board at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and a past chairman of the Texas State Senior Colleges Board of Regents.

He received the life member award from the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, the Jack Smith Leadership Award from General Motors, Inc., and the 50 Year Dealer Award, Mark of Excellence Award and Legion of Leaders Award from Chevrolet, Inc.

Media contact: tamunews@tamu.edu.

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