Page 15 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2026 - Online Magazine

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Senior
Senior

Jim “Lito” Zupancic

A Prominent

Presence in Portales

by Julia Zupancic

n Portales, Jim Zupancic, lovingly known as “Lito,” is Known for his friendliness and generosity, he has a way
a familiar face. At Juanito’s, a popular local restaurant, of talking to everyone as if they have been friends for
Ihe doesn’t wait for a hostess; instead, he walks years. His warmth extends beyond family; he keeps
straight to the back and greets the manager whom he has a close circle of friends and meets them regularly for
known for decades. They already know exactly what he lunch, sharing conversations that strengthen those
wants, so within minutes, his meal of chicken enchiladas
with red sauce and unsweet tea arrives. It is a small
moment, but it reflects how Lito has quietly built lasting
connections and friendships throughout the town over
many years.
Discovering, Encountering & Proclaiming The Word!
Born in Miami, Florida, Lito joined the Air Force right
out of high school thinking he would be drafted to serve
in the Vietnam war. He came to New Mexico because
of the Air Force and tried everything he could do to be
transferred anywhere else! While in the Air Force, he
maintained F-111 radios and radar systems. After his
discharge in 1973, he initially tried to leave NM, but
unexplainably and fortunately for the city, he chose to
make Portales his permanent home.

Lito began a career at Eastern New Mexico University, Looking for a vibrant school community
working as a broadcast engineer and establishing the where the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—
university’s television and radio station as one of its grows in faith and excellence?
founding members. For more than 30 years, he managed
the business side of the station, eventually retiring Christ the King Diocesan Schools is the place for
as associate director of the ENMU Broadcast Center. your PreK - High School student!
Though never seen on camera, his contributions were Scan QR Code for more info or Scan QR Code for info on tuition
critical to the station’s continued success. His work call to schedule a personal tour support from Texas Education
shaped the station’s growth and reputation, leaving an for your family! Freedom Accounts
impact that has lasted far beyond his retirement.

Family has always been central to Lito’s life. He and his
wife, Isabel “Dodo” Zupancic, raised one son, Steven,
and today Lito is a grandfather to two granddaughters.
4011 54th Street, Lubbock 806-795-8283 www.ctkschoolslbk.org

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