John Conroy Paine, 78, passed away on March 23, 2025 in El Paso, Texas.

Born on August 16, 1946, to Charles and Constance Paine, in El Paso, John spent his life dedicated to education, creativity, and family. For more than 25 years, he excelled as a high school English, history, and philosophy teacher in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas and he became a beloved figure among both students and fellow educators. He spent the majority of his teaching years at Andress High School in northeast El Paso, substituting all over the city in his retirement years. His passion for teaching and his unique approach to the subject and how he related to his students earned him a reputation as a “legend” in the classroom, in addition to his well-known and omnipresent push broom mustache, with a golf tee between his teeth.

Beyond his career in education, John was also an entrepreneur with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. He owned and operated Paine’s Card Shop and Paine’s Card Nook (started by his parents), where he used an old-fashioned printing press to create beautiful Southwest-themed Christmas cards, before being put out of business by corporate America. His artistic touch and dedication to traditional printing methods that he learned from his father made his work cherished by many, and it still is to this day. 

John had a sharp wit and a carefree spirit that endeared him to those who knew him best. He found joy in buying unnecessary things and hamburgers for his grand babies, solving crossword puzzles, reading racy Western novels, caring for his many pets, and taking his beloved wife out for her favorite Mexican food.

A man of faith throughout his life, John primarily attended Saint Clement’s, Holy Spirit, and, most recently, Saint Alban’s Episcopal Church. His connection to these places of worship reflected his values and sense of community and fellowship, along with lifelong friendships. It was at St. Clement’s that John met his beloved wife (and he was right about the third “time” being the charm, much to Judith’s chagrin).

John is survived by his wife of over 20 years, Judith Haynes; his son, John Charles Paine (Mackenzie Burns); and his daughter, Rebecca Savage. He is also survived by his four grandchildren (Emma, Benjamin, Scarlett, and Logan) and many extended family members (cousin Margaret and the Albuquerque clan were always more like immediate family). He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Connie Paine, Patricia Palmer, his former wife and the mother of his children, and Edward Savage, his son-in-law.

John’s legacy lives on through the countless students he inspired, the family who loved him dearly, and the many lives he touched with his humor and kindness. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association, Hospice of El Paso, any educational non-profit, or a non-profit of your choice in John's memory.

Memorial service will be Friday, June 13, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at San Jose Funeral Home-East, 10950 Pellicano Dr., 79935 (915) 590-8700. Memorial mass will be Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at 1810 Elm St., 79930.