Theodore "John" Pujol

Theodore "John" Pujol, age 84, born December 17, 1925, in New Orleans, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010 at home, resting in his favorite easy chair. He was the only child of Theodore Joseph and Pauline Giovanni Pujol and leaves his beloved wife of 59 years, Ophelia Lux Pujol, daughter Claudia Ophelia Pujol and husband Steven Michael Schaeffer of Houston, son Marc Theodore Pujol, currently working in Iraq, and son Matthew John Pujol and his wife Deann Pujol of Colorado. He was preceded In death by his daughter Anita Diane Pujol, as well as his parents..John's long, full life included graduation from Warren Easton High School in New Orleans and a degree in Geology from the University of Southern California. He served as Marine Engineer in the Merchant Marine during WWII, and in the US Army during The Korean War. His professional career began as Well Logging Engineer with Baroid and then Geologist with Tidewater/Getty Oil where he received multiple promotions and transfers across California including Sacramento, Bakersfield, and Ventura during the 1950s. In 1960 he was promoted to District Exploration Manager in Midland, TX, and then to New Orleans in 1970. From there he advanced to Division Exploration Manager in Houston over exploration in the Gulf of Mexico and Southern U.S., responsible for numerous discoveries in the Permian Basin and Hatter's Pond, Alabama.. John received personal commendations from the Gettys and was surprised to find his picture on the Getty Oil stock certificates. Choosing retirement at 55, he and Ophella were able to travel extensively, including trips to Russia, Egypt, Europe, Pew, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Alaska, Hawaii, mid frequent road trips through the Swiss Alps. John enjoyed puttering around the house and yard, and was an excellent carpenter, plumber, gardener, and handyman. An accomplished pianist, he could play any tune by ear, and although classically trained, he especially loved playing New Orleans Ragtime Jazz.. His colorful personality, quick wit, and joke telling will be missed by all, especially his wife and family, friends and neighbors.A memorial service is being planned for a later date, with interment at St. Martin's Episcopal Columbarium. Donations remembering his many favorite pets may be made to the Houston SPCA.