James Edward "JP" Pfertner

James Edward Pfertner. Also known as "JP", Mustang Man, a former drag racer, a Longhorns Football fan, lifetime Cowboys fan, and a lifetime NHRA racing fan… James lost his race with cancer on 11/27/2014.

JP was born 12/18/1957, and spent his life in Austin, TX. He attended St. Mary’s Cathedral School, Pearce Junior High, and Regan High School. He worked as a mechanic/technician for several Lincoln-Mercury and Ford dealerships in the 1970s before opening "JP's Automotive" in 1988. JP decided he was not happy with business ownership, and returned to work at various establishments as a state inspector and mechanic.

Besides his kids and family, trips to Port Aransas, raising tropical fish, attending family reunions, and doing his annual July 4th BBQs... JP's prize was his yellow, 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1. Purchased in 1974, it saw many engine modifications and weekend drag-race events at Little Rivers and San Antonio. He let the car go in 2010 but continued to drive Mustangs to his last days

JP was diagnosed with lung cancer in the fall of 2013 and fought the battle in his own way, and on his own terms. The family extends their thanks to the Shriver's Centers doctors and staff, Christopher House Hospice, and the central Austin area Visiting Angels for home care assistance.

JP was preceded in death by this father, Robert Pfertner, Sr. He is survived by his mother Joyce Pfertner, son Jim (& Melissa), daughters Kelly Irene (& Justin), Katie Hubble (& JB), Victoria (& Antoine), and grandchildren Chase, Aubrie, and Makenna. JP is also survived by his brothers Rob (& Janette), Steve (& Yvonne), sisters Mary Conway and Frances Hancock (& Clark), many nieces and nephews, and former wives Cherry Knepley and Kitten Bellerose.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in JP's name to MD Anderson Center, the American Cancer Society, or Hospice Austin and Christopher House.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a rosary service at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at the funeral home chapel. He will be laid to rest at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery.