Jean Budinger
Age - 84
December 1, 2023
Jean Paul Budinger died peacefully at home on Thursday, the 30th of November 2023, ending his journey on earth surrounded by family as he was welcomed into the loving arms of the Lord. He was 84 years of age.
Jean Paul was born on the 6th of May 1939, in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Leyden High School in Franklin Park, Illinois, where he met Patricia Plaza, who became his soulmate, dance and business partner, and devoted wife with whom he celebrated 62 years of marriage.
After attending Purdue University, Jean Paul graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in architecture and engineering. He studied pneumatic and suspension architecture and engineering in Berlin, Germany, mentored by Frei Otto, world-renowned innovator. Licensed in both Architecture and Structural Engineering in multiple states, his career took him to Wayzata, Minnesota, Memphis, and then to Austin, where he concentrated on development, design, and construction for eleven years before moving to Houston. Both a registered professional engineer and architect in Texas, he was also the principal of JP Consulting Services, a forensic engineering company in Houston where he was a respected expert witness.
In 1994, inspired by his lifelong commitment to his Catholic faith he answered a call to serve, and entered the deaconate program at St. Mary's Seminary in Houston. Throughout his life he could be seen at Mass daily wherever he was in the world.
Jean Paul also received a degree in pastoral theology from the University of St. Thomas (Houston) in 1999 and was ordained as a deacon by Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza that same year. Following ordination, he served as a Permanent Deacon at St. Anne Catholic Community in Houston for twenty years where he will be best remembered as delivering his sermons with a twinkle in his eye as he passionately shared his inspiring messages. His focus was the Lord's work. We will never know how many lives he touched. He was an active supporter of many charitable causes including Lord of the Streets, and he served on the Star of Hope Board.
Naturally athletic, Jean Paul played football and wrestled in high school. Throughout his life, he kept physically fit playing golf, racquet ball, and running six miles a day for over 46 years. His greatest joy was his grandchildren. He could be seen cheering them on at Episcopal High School football, baseball, and lacrosse games, and as well at his granddaughter's equestrian competitions.
His bookshelves reflect his diverse interests and love of reading. Very social, welcoming, and open, he enjoyed people, travel, dining, and parties. He loved to entertain and to dance, showing off his skills from the days when he was a dance instructor.
Jean Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Ursula Hyland Budinger Pond; his father, Peter Budinger, and his brother Gregory Budinger. He is survived by his wife Patricia; daughters, Melinda Budinger Hildebrand and husband Jeffery, and Michelle Budinger Maresh; his four grandchildren, Brittany, Jeffery Jr. , John Thomas Hildebrand, and Cameron Maresh; niece, Tami Budinger Carlyon; cousin Barbara Budinger, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate, loving care given to Jean Paul in his final months and days by Olga Benites, Leticia Careaga, Rosa Martinez, Maria Rangel, Julian Silva, Nancy Sotelo, and Israel Rodriguez.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock in the afternoon until eight o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 8th of December in the Jasek Chapel and the grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where the recitation of the Holy Rosary is to commence at half past four o'clock in the afternoon.
A Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at one o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 9th of December, at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer Road in Houston. For those unable to attend the funeral mass, virtual attendance may be accessed by visiting Mr. Budinger's online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis. com and selecting the "Join Livestream" icon on the service section).
(Kindly Note: Parking for the funeral mass will be located in the St. Anne's Catholic Church parking garage, which may be accessed off Westheimer Road and Kingston Drive, traffic control officers will be positioned so as to direct attendees).
Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception at a venue to be announced during the service.
Those honored to serve as casket bearers during Saturday's service are Matthew Doucette, Paul Doucette, Brittany Hildebrand, Jeffery Hildebrand Jr. , John Thomas Hildebrand, and Cameron Maresh.
In lieu of customary remembrances, those desiring may direct memorial contributions in the name of Jean Paul Budinger to St. Anne Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77098, or HAPS (Houston Area Parkinson Society), 2700 Southwest Fwy. #296, Houston, Texas 77098.
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