Published: January 08, 2009 11:46 pm      

J. L. Huffines Jr., former Greenville banker, Aggie regent remembered

GREENVILLE — A lot has been said this week about James Lecil (J. L.) Huffines Jr., 85, who passed away Wednesday at his Dallas home.

Huffines was also well known in Hunt County, where he was associated with the former Citizens National Bank and a Commerce auto dealership and Texas A&M.

One of the people who knew him best was Dr. John E. Wilkins of Greenville, who had close ties with Huffines for more than 50 years.

“I guess he was the closest friend I had,” Wilkins said. “He was more like a brother.”

Wilkins said he remembered Huffines as a consummate businessman.

“He was a straight shooter,” Wilkins said. “He was honest. He tried to make a deal when he could.”

Services for Huffines are scheduled at 3 p.m. today at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, with burial scheduled Saturday afternoon at The Texas State Cemetery in Austin.

Not only was Huffines known as a businessman, he was respected as an Aggie. Texas A & M's Ross Volunteers, the Texas A & M Board of Regents, and the "Flying A's" are to serve as honorary pallbearers.

Gov. Rick Perry also issued a statement on Huffines’ passing.

“I am deeply saddened at the loss of a good friend,” Perry said. “J. L. was an inspiration to me as an Aggie, an American and a Texan. He devoted his life to his family, served his country in time of war and built a business that employed countless Texans over the years. Anita and I extend our sincere condolences and prayers to his wife Sydney, his family and friends. Texas is a better place for the time he spent here.”

Huffines’’ father began an automotive business which grew to eight dealerships across North Texas, with Huffines himself opening his own outlet in Commerce in 1951.

Huffines served with the United States Army in World War II and Korea before returning to Hunt County where he became the president of Citizens National Bank in Greenville, which is along about the time he met Wilkins.

“I’ve been associated with him since 1952,” Wilkins said. “I really didn’t get to know him until after he got out of the service.”

Wilkins said Huffines will be remembered fondly by those who knew him either through the banking industry or through the university.

“There is just so much about him.” Wilkins said. “He had so many friends here.”