James Hughes Sr.

James Hughes Sr., of Newport, passed away January 16, 2023. Loving husband of Patricia (DeMuelenaere) for 71 beautiful years. Dear father of Janet Hartwig, Jay (Diane) Hughes, Walter (the late Erika) Hughes, Philip (Kathy) Hughes, Theresa (Lyle) Tomich, Laura (the late John) VanDerWerken, Melanie (Mark) D’Anna, Timothy (Rhonda) Hughes, Kathleen Head, Kristine Hughes (Norm Whipple), Karen (Chuck) Horn, and Sally Anderson. Proud grandfather of 30 and great grandfather of 22. Cherished brother of Larry (Daniella) Hughes. He is survived by many nieces, nephews and other loving family members. He is preceded in death by his grandson Joshua, as well as seven brothers and four sisters.

James proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, during combat in Korea. Formerly from South Bend, Indiana, James and Patricia raised their 12 children there before moving to South Rockwood, Michigan in 1968. In 1992 Patricia and James moved to Newport. He was a fire chief at South Rockwood Fire Department from 1975 until 1982. He was a devoted catholic and attended St. Mary Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Rockwood.

James was an avid baseball fan, before moving to Michigan he would support the Cubs, but once he moved, he became an avid Detroit Tigers fan. He was also known to support the Detroit Lions throughout the years. He was an excellent euchre player and was very much a people’s person. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him including the neighbors who saw him sitting on his walker by the corner.

Visitation will take place at The Ford Chapel of Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, 23620 N. Huron River, Rockwood, Michigan 48173 on Thursday January 19, 2023 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm. A rosary will take place at 3:00 pm. James will lay instate at St. Mary Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church, Rockwood, Michigan on Friday January 20, 2023 from 10:00 am until mass at 10:30 am. Burial will take place immediately following at South Rockwood Cemetery, with military honors.