James Edward Hughes

James (Gym) Edward Hughes was born July 15, 1937, and departed this life June 24, 2023. He was born to Esther Alyce Jones (Dooley) and Lucious  Lee Hughes in Macon, Mississippi and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio.

James leaves to cherish his memory to his daughter Denise Hughes McConaga (Rochelle McConaga, Isaiah McConaga , Joe McConaga 3^rd), Texas; Tatia Bellamy-Vaughan, stepdaughter (Robert Vaughan Jr, husband and Samuel James Bellamy, son), Virginia; longtime companion Freddia Kelley, Massachusetts;  sisters: Geraldine  Marie Turner, Ohio; and Velma Louise Hughes, Georgia; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces (nephews), cousins, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends from all over the world from Boston, Massachusetts to Richmond, Virginia.   James is preceded in death by Lucious Hughes (brother), Dyvetta Jones (sister) , Tonie D. Hughes (daughter), and Michael D. Hughes Sr. (Son)

James was a compassionate man, loving and giving. Beginning his work career as a taxi driver and then dedicating his life to the United States Armed Forces, Department of Defense, United States Air Force. He honorably served in the Department of the Air Force, active duty from 1955-1959 and Active Reserves from 1959 to 1992 achieving the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. His last duty station was Westover Air Force Base, Westover , Massachusetts retiring military career as Flight Maintenance Supervisor. James’ love for country also  led him to  serve with the Boston Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, Boston Cadet Squadron exiting as Major James Hughes, USAF Unit Level;  “Volunteers serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures” , James was also an active member and of  the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc, Boston Massachusetts. Throughout his military career he received numerous awards and accommodations for his outstanding service and dedication  to “Aim High…Fly-Fight-Win” while active duty, as a reservist, and retired.

A man of honor and arduous work, James also retired as a salesperson from Sears Roebuck, Company after 30 years, Dedham, Massachusetts. James was also a businessperson, entrepreneur, and a mentor to anyone who wanted to accept the challenges in life and be all they can be. James (daddy) would say “ Don’t tell me what you are going to do, tell me what you did.”   He was a results driven man.

James was not an active church member, but a committed church goer. He was the first in the parking lot waiting for service to start. He demonstrated that being on time, was late. A man always early for any event, meeting, or appointment.

James was a traveler. He believed in driving everywhere he went no matter how long it took. He enjoyed sceneries,  attending military air shows, horses, and had a love for fine cars, boats, and fishing.

James was a quiet man and avoided confrontation. He didn’t talk much but enjoyed being in the crowd, around people, and family. He loved music, more specifically the blues and the music of James Brown. James was light on his feet, smooth on the dance floor, and had a smile that could melt any heart.

Flowers will be accepted. Donations in the name of James E Hughes can be sent to the Alzheimer Association at https://www.alz.org/

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