James Leo Hughes

James Leo Hughes passed away September 26, 2023 at the age of 97. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Jim was born July 22, 1926 in Stillwater, Oklahoma to Belle Marie Brooks and James Leo Hughes. He was the youngest of four children and the only son. Jim often said his greatest achievement is his beautiful, huge-and-still-growing family. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mauree Meeks Hickerson Hughes, son Chris (Julee) Hughes, daughters Elizabeth Jordan, Anne (David) Glover and Catherine (John) Byrd; twelve grandchildren Samantha Hughes Martinek, Zach Hughes, Kelsey Hughes Maner, Rebecca Hughes Courtney, Melissa Jordan Farber, Jennifer Jordan, Amy Jordan, Thomas Glover, Grace Glover Rollinger, Charlie Byrd, Matt Byrd, and Ryan Byrd; and 19 great-grandchildren with one on the way. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and son-in-law, Reed Jordan. Like many raised in small towns during the Great Depression, his childhood was difficult, beginning with a mild case of polio at the age of 5. Throughout his youth he held odd jobs in town and at the university to help make ends meet. Thus began his life of humility, hard work and perseverance, honing his skill of stretching a dollar until it screamed. Jim was a proud veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He served in New Guinea, the Philippines, and Yokohama, Japan. Following the service and with his GI bill, Jim was able to put himself through college at Oklahoma A&M. He loved regaling his grandsons with tales from the war, however horrifying. One of his favorite trips was to Washington DC with his son, Chris, through the Honor Flight program at the age of 90. Jim said that life really began for him when he met his beautiful wife, Mauree, in Houston and they married in 1956. The four children followed in rapid succession. He worked tirelessly as an independent life insurance broker to provide for his family, sending all four children to Catholic school, The University of Texas and Texas A&M University. He was home for dinner every night and worked on the house and yard on the weekends. He enjoyed coaching his son in baseball and watching his daughters’ sporting events and dance recitals. He was a good provider and loving father. Jim was a life-long athlete. He loved running the track around Rice University in the dark before work; and, during college breaks, dragging his daughters in tow. He swam and worked out for many years at the Post Oak YMCA and gave swim lessons to adults. He participated in Senior Olympics triathlons, receiving various medals in his age class. Many of his stories began with “A guy at the Y…” At age 89, he founded and led an all-male water aerobics class at Eagles Trace Retirement Community, because “darn it, these old guys need exercise!” Jim was very proud of his Catholic faith and community. Through the years he and his family have been parishioners of St. Francis de Sales, St. Vincent de Paul, Holy Rosary, St. Cecilia and lastly, St. John Vianney Catholic churches. He was an active member and past president of the Serra Club, an organization that promotes and fosters vocations to the priesthood and religious life. He was quite innovative while in Serra and developed programs that still stand today. Jim also worked with St. Mary’s Seminary, St. Thomas High School, The University of St. Thomas and Holy Name Retreat Center. He was friends with many of the priests in the area. Jim was known and loved by many. His charming personality and humor would bring a smile to all he met. When he and Mauree moved to Eagles Trace in 2015, he became known for his twinkling eyes and humor with their new friends. Jim will be remembered for his warmth but mostly for his questionable humor and bad Dad jokes. One last time, in the words of Jim Hughes, “Have a lousy day!” In lieu of flowers you may donate to the Trotter Family YMCA in memory of James L. Hughes. https://www.justgiving.com/page/trotterymca-jamesleohughes

James Leo Hughes

July 22, 1926 - September 26, 2023