Coach J. Omar "Buddha" Lopez
March 4, 1978 - November 21, 2023
Who was Coach Lopez?
Javier Omar “Buddha” Lopez left this earth on November 21, 2023, at the age of 45. Born on March 4, 1978, in San Antonio, Texas, to Linda Cobarruvias Lopez and Henry Lopez, Jr., Omar was a proud graduate of Tom C. Clark High School and Texas State University–San Marcos.
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The simplest pleasures in life brought Omar, known to many as Buddha or Coach Lopez, immense joy. He never met a stranger, and no conversation with him was ever short. Within minutes, he made you feel seen, heard, and special. He loved being outdoors, especially in the sun or at the beach, and could always be counted on for a good barbecue, a strong cup of coffee, or an ice-cold beer or whiskey. Whether watching a game, cracking a joke, or listening to live music, Omar’s zest for life was contagious.
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Music was the soundtrack of his life. He had an encyclopedic memory for lyrics and band histories across every genre and decade. Whether it was Dave Matthews Band, Motown classics, Ozzy Osbourne, Texas Country, or a little Sunday morning jazz, he knew them all.
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As a boy, Omar threw himself into every sport he could play. He loved the competition, the camaraderie, the excitement, but football was his passion. He played in city leagues, then at Clark High School, where the team went all the way to the state championship game. After graduation, he even suited up for the local semi-pro team, the San Antonio Rush. When his playing days ended, his love for the game never faded. He began coaching local youth leagues like the Toros and the Bobcats, laying the foundation for what would become his life’s calling.
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During his years teaching history and coaching at New Braunfels Middle School and Canyon Middle School, Coach Lopez shaped countless young lives. He coached football, basketball, track, and tennis, but his impact reached far beyond the field and classroom. To him, every student was one of his “kids” for life. He rooted for the underdog, believed in second (and even third) chances, and made sure his students believed in themselves as fiercely as he believed in them. He often said his real payday didn’t come monthly—it came when his students walked the stage at graduation.
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Omar met the love of his life, Mari, one night out in San Antonio. What began as a chance encounter became a six-year courtship, and they were married on March 15, 2008. Together they built a beautiful life, later blessed with their greatest joys: twins Jacob and Joslin. Jacob "the man” and Joslin his “monkey” were his “why.” Every day, he strived to be the best father, teaching them to be kind, humble, and selfless.
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Coach J. Omar “Buddha” Lopez is survived by his wife of over 15 years, Marisela; his children, Jacob and Joslin; his parents, Linda C. Lopez and Henry Lopez, Jr.; his brothers, Gabriel and Misha Lopez; his in-laws Alfredo and Jovita Nieto; brother-in-law Johnny Aguirre (Falon); sisters-in-law Stephanie Armendariz (Rene) and Olivia Torres (Tony); and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins from the Lopez, Cobarruvias, Aguirre, and Vela families. He also leaves behind countless friends he considered family, colleagues he admired, and students and athletes he deeply loved.
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He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Johnny “Kono” Aguirre, Sr.; paternal grandparents Henry Sr. and Oralia Lopez; maternal grandparents Remigio and Mary Cobarruvias; and his uncle, Sebastian Lopez.
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Omar’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and light. He made a profound impact on everyone he met, and his spirit will continue to live on through his family, friends, colleagues, and the many students and athletes whose lives he touched.
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To know him was to love him.
Live like Lopez. Love like Lopez.
The Love Like Lopez Foundation
One year after Omar's unexpected passing his family established The Love Like Lopez Foundation as a way to keep his legacy alive and to give back to the students in the community.
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