Paul Jacob Baca

October 4, 1969 – February 5, 2025

Paul Jacob Baca, 55, was the son of Josefina and Dan Baca Sr. He is preceded in death by his mother Josefina Baca, and is survived by his father Dan Baca, Sr., daughters Laura and Nina, brother Dan Baca, Jr., sister in law Andree Baca, nephews Edward Baca, Matthew Baca, Mark Baca, as well as his only surviving aunt Connie Romero and many cousins. Paul is also survived by his beloved canine companion BJ.

Paul was born and raised in El Paso, Texas where he developed his love for sports, particularly basketball. Paul attended St. Pius Parochial School and Cathedral High School where he played both football and basketball; he was named to the all city football team his senior year as a defensive back. He earned a degree in mathematics from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, TX; upon graduation, Paul returned home to El Paso to begin his 30 year career in teaching math and coaching.

Paul’s teaching career began at Montwood High School in 1994. He then moved on to Americas High School in 1998. It was here in 2002 that he would find his greatest legacy as the girls head varsity basketball coach. He led his teams to 4 district championships, 4 bi-district championships, an area championship, a regional championship and a sweet 16 appearance in the state playoffs. He was the El Paso Times Coach of the Year in 2006. He took a break from coaching in 2013 and returned to coaching at Socorro High School where he was currently the varsity boys assistant basketball coach.

Paul loved playing golf and poker with his friends. He was a loyal SMU football and basketball fan, and he loved watching his Miami Dolphins with his dad on Sundays at their favorite watering hole. If he wasn’t coaching or teaching, you would find him with his dog BJ. Paul was a huge fan of the Peanuts comic strip, and his favorite character of all time was Snoopy. Paul was a movie buff – especially movies from the 80s and 90s; he could recite line after line of various movies from those 2 decades.  He had plenty of charisma and a sharp dry sense of humor; he would easily find the humorous side of almost any situation.

Family will receive family and friends on Sunday, March 2 from 4 PM to 6 PM at San Jose Funeral Home-East, 10950 Pellicano Dr., 79935 (915) 590-8700. A Rosary will follow at 6 PM. Funeral Mass is on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral Church, 1118 N Mesa, 79902; interment will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery, 401 S Zaragoza Rd, 79907.