COTTON BOWL LOSES CLOSE FRIEND

J.L. Huffines, 85, a board member and trusted friend of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association died today at his home in Dallas. He served on the CBAA Board since 1974 and was Chairman of the Cotton Bowl Classic from 1982-84.

"J.L. was a true friend and cared deeply about the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic and the entire North Texas community," CBAA President Rick Baker said. "He served our organization for nearly four decades and inspired all of us through his civic endeavors. He was a valued leader of our organzation, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

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

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.

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.

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.