James, aka Jim or Jimbo, was born April 16, 1942, to Arthur and Ruth Hughes in Port Huron, Michigan. The Hughes family lived in Marysville Michigan, where he spent many happy childhood years along with his sister Donna (deceased) and little brother, Dennis, who lives in Portland Oregon. In junior high, he enjoyed shot put and continued playing football in high school, winning many awards in sports. Jim moved to California after he graduated high school, and never left California.

He attended LA City College, majoring in business. He took a summer job with a trucking company LASME.

When he finished college Jim worked for Time-DC Motor Express and finally Roadway Express. He genuinely loved his job but had to retire after 30 years due to a workman's comp neck injury in 1997, which broke his heart!

Jim and Nancy met at Woody's Smorgasburger in 1966 and were together since that time until his death August 11, 2024. They were married in 1968 in St. Augustine Catholic Church in Culver City by Father Robert de la Vega. His brother, Dennis was his best man.

Jim and Nancy raised three wonderful children, James A. Hughes Jr., Sean M. Hughes (Kelly) and Meaghan Anne Gutierrez (Cesar).

They have been blessed with six grandchildren, Brianna, Nathan, Matthew, Joshua, Jason, and Micah.

Jim leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends across the globe.

He loved his children, grandchildren family and friends with all his heart.

Jim made many trips to Rock Creek in the Sierra Mountains to fish for trout in the many beautiful lakes over the last forty years with his brother-in-laws

Jerry Ashburn and Rudy DeCristofaro and nephews Steven Ashburn, Rob De Cristofaro and sons Jim and Sean. Jim and Nancy went to Rock Creek together some years.

Jim was looking forward to going to Rock Creek the end of September with Jerry and Steven, but God had other plans for him.

Fishing, football, baseball , and hockey were his passions. He loved all Michigan teams, even though they were not always champions.

Jim also enjoyed music, especially the music of the 50's, Jimmy Buffet, The Eagles, Willie Nelson, The Doobie Brothers, and many more.

• He would love that so many have gathered to honor him!