About PJ

Paul, who was affectionately known as “PJ” , was a beloved father, son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend whose warmth, humor, engaging smile and generous spirit touched everyone who knew him.

Born on November 9, 1995, PJ was born in San Diego and grew up in Chula Vista, where he quickly became known for his kind heart, quick smile, and love of sports. At Mater Dei Catholic High School, he was a standout athlete where he was a three year starter for the schools' varsity soccer and football teams. He also earned a varsity letter running track during his senior year. He approached sports with passion and dedication. His drive and love of teamwork, especially as a football kicking specialist carried him through his college years. After high school graduation, PJ attended Edinboro College in Pennsylvania, where he began his general studies and was the kicker for the school's football team. PJ returned home after two years, then obtained his Associates degree from Southwestern College. He then continued his college academics and football career at Winona State University in Minnesota where he graduated with a degree in Independent Studies and Business. During his tenure at Winona he was a standout athlete, helping the Warriors win back to back championships. In 2019 PJ earned First Team All- Region honors as the NSIC South Divisions All-Conference First Team Special Teams Kicker, capping off his career with a remarkable All-American season making the 2019 Don Hansen NCAA Division II All American Second Team. PJ was a cherished member of the FPA and Winona State Football communities who was known not only for his talent on the field, but also for his kindness, humility, and leadership off it. As a professional athlete, PJ played as a kicker for the Tijuana Galgos in 2022 and later for the Omaha Beef, a professional indoor football team based in Omaha, Nebraska. PJ was instrumental in helping the Omaha Beef complete back to back perfect seasons in 2023 and 2024. They were the 2023 Champions of the Champions Indoor Football League and 2024 Champions of the National Arena League. During both his college and professional time as a kicker, PJ was always determined to take his game to the next level with the goal of earning one of the NFL's few coveted kicking spots.This passion, drive and love for the game later became the backbone to his coaching philosophy of Ortiz Kicking & Training LLC.

After college and time as a professional kicker, PJ began working for Martin Murrieta company with his college degree. He also found time to give back as Southwestern College Football Team's Special Teams Coach in 2022.

Very recently, he became interested in the field of HVAC and began learning the field from a close family friend. It wasn't long before PJ developed a passion for the HVAC profession and began to excel in the trade. He went on to learn more about his craft while working for Hanson Heating and Air and then for CoolSys where he was responsible for servicing Starbucks locations throughout southern California. He recently joined Illumina in San Diego as an HVAC Engineer, where he was proud to contribute to an organization that makes a difference in people’s lives. His colleagues remember him as hardworking, dependable, and always ready to lend a helping hand or a laugh to lighten the day.

Beyond his accomplishments, PJ will be remembered most for his heart. He had a way of making people feel seen and valued, whether he was cheering on a friend, sharing a joke, or quietly helping someone in need. He loved spending time with family, especially with his two young boys, hiking, surfing, fishing, being outdoors, coaching football and learning to cook new recipes. He brought joy to every room he entered.

PJ is survived by his two young sons, Paul Jonathan Ortiz III and Franklin Lee Ortiz, the love of his life and mom to his boys, Jacquelyn Rose Valdez, his loving parents, Paul Ortiz, Sr. and Corazón Modelo Ortiz, his younger sister Lea, his "Grammy" Teresita Modelo-Charfauros and many relatives, friends, and colleagues who will forever cherish his memory.

His life, though tragically short, was filled with love, laughter, and meaning.

A prayer visitation will be held on November 16, 2025 at Glen Abbey Memorial Mortuary from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and a celebration of life will be held on November 17, 2025 beginning with a mass at Most Precious Blood Catholic Parish at 10:00 AM, immediately followed by burial services at Glen Abbey Memorial Park where friends and family will gather to honor PJ’s memory and the incredible person he was.