James Hughes Obituary, death – On January 16, 2023, James Hughes Sr., who resided in Newport, passed away. He has been the devoted husband of Patricia (DeMuelenaere) for the past 71 wonderful years. Beloved father of Janet Hartwig, Jay Hughes and his wife Diane, Walter Hughes and his late wife Erika, Philip Hughes and his wife Kathy, Theresa Tomich and her husband Lyle, Laura VanDerWerken and her late husband John, Melanie D’Anna and her husband Mark, Timothy Hughes and his wife Rhonda, Kathleen Head, Kristine Hughes and her husband Norm Whipple, Karen Horn and Sally Anderson. Happy grandparent to 30 grandchildren and great grandfather to 22. A cherished brother of Larry Hughes (Daniella), He is survived by a large number of nieces, nephews, and other devoted members of his family. In addition to his grandson Joshua, he was predeceased by seven brothers and four sisters. Joshua was his only living descendant.

James served his country with honor as a member of the United States Air Force and participated in combat in Korea. James and Patricia are both originally from South Bend, Indiana, and it was there that they brought up their 12 children before migrating to South Rockwood, Michigan in 1968. The year 1992 marked the year that Patricia and James relocated to Newport. Between the years 1975 and 1982, he served as the chief of the South Rockwood Fire Department. He was a devout follower of Catholicism and was a regular parishioner at the St. Mary Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Rockwood.

James was a huge baseball fan, and before he moved to Michigan, he was a die-hard supporter of the Chicago Cubs; however, after he arrived, he switched his allegiance to the Detroit Tigers. In addition to that, it was well known that he followed the Detroit Lions throughout the years. In addition to being a skilled euchre player, he had a genuine affinity for interacting with others. Everyone who knew and loved him, especially the neighbors who saw him sitting on his walker by the corner, will miss him terribly.

On Thursday, January 19, 2023, visitation will be held from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at The Ford Chapel of Martenson Family of Funeral Homes located at 23620 N. Huron River in Rockwood, Michigan 48173. At three o’clock in the afternoon, there will be a rosary. On Friday, January 20, 2023, beginning at 10:00 am and continuing until mass begins at 10:30 am, James will be laid to rest in St. Mary Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Rockwood, Michigan. In the immediate aftermath of the service, the deceased will be laid to rest at South Rockwood Cemetery with full military honors.