Obituaries

James M. Hughes, Jr.

12/30/1927 - 2/8/2021

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Obituary For James M. Hughes, Jr.

James M. Hughes, Jr. Dec. 30, 1927-Feb. 8, 2021

James M. Hughes, Jr., 93, of Altoona, passed away Monday at UPMC Altoona, following a brief illness. The son of James and Jean (Roy) Hughes, he married Eve Christodoulos on June 12, 1949 in Altoona. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years in 2010 and his daughter Happiness Singler in 2019. He is survived by three daughters: Holly (Jim) Means of Westerville, OH, Hope (Dave) Furrer of Baltimore, MD, Heather (Jim) Little of Altoona; nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Jim joined the Marine Corp right out of high school in 1945 and served with the 1st Separate Engineer Battalion in Tientsin and Tang Ku, China. He graduated from Penn State University in 1951 with a degree in electrical engineering. Jim was first employed by Westinghouse Electric in Baltimore, Md. He joined the engineering faculty of PSU Altoona, teaching electrical engineering in 1955 where he retired in 1986. He served as the electrical engineering consultant for DM Bare (Appleton) Paper Mill and had his own consulting firm in Altoona, retiring from consulting in 2011. He was a member of the State Professional Engineering Society, lifetime member of the Marine Corp League and China Marine Association as well as the VFW Post 8685 Fort Apache. Jim lived his life for his family-his greatest source of pride and joy. In his retirement, Jim never missed an opportunity to be with his family at reunions, tailgates, and family events. He earned his private pilot’s license, taught himself to play the piano, enjoyed woodworking, and seeing his friends at Tom and Joe’s and at Fort Apache. Most of all, he loved spending time at “The Cottage” on the beautiful Juniata River-a family gathering spot since his childhood. He was officially in charge of making sure the river kept flowing in the right direction. Viewing will be at The Stevens Mortuary, 1421 8th Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16602, Sat., Feb. 13, 2021 from 1-4 p.m., where military honors will be offered at 3:45 p.m. Covid-19 precautions will be followed. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Jim’s honor to the Gospel Hill Flag Fund, CPCF, 1330-11th Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16601 and to St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen, 2201 Union Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16601. Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

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Condolences

  • 02/15/2021

    Steven Fogel MD

    Both "Jimmy" and his parents were amazing people who did not hesitate to help others in times of need, or allow others to enjoy many good times at their beautiful cottage on the Juniata River. We shall meet again over the "Rainbow" sir, thank you so much for the wonderful life and family you gave the world.

  • 02/14/2021

    John Steele

    Dearest Holly, Hope, & Heather. Your Dad was an extraordinary and wonderful man whose memory will be treasured forever. John Steele & family.

  • 02/12/2021

    LuAnn

    I worked at the Hite Company and it was always a pleasure to work with and talk to Jim when he came into the office concerning a project. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. LuAnn (Eicher) Hallinan

  • 02/11/2021

    The Fousts

    Sorry for your loss Hughes family. Jim was a great neighbor and we enjoyed the interactions we had with him.

  • 02/11/2021

    Nicole Imes

    I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Hughes when he was doing consulting work. What a wonderful and awesome man. He always had pictures and stories of his growing family. He was very proud of his girls and their families. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  • 02/10/2021

    The Sremanaks

  • 02/10/2021

    The Sremanaks

    Our thoughts are prayers are with all of you. Great memories of his interactions with Jim Mcloota, our father. Once again our sympathies Nick and Janice(McLoota) Sremanak. May his memory be eternal.

  • 02/10/2021

    Richard Nedimyer

    To Hope, Holly, and Heather...So sorry about your father. He was a wonderful man. We are so happy that we were able to spend some time with him these last several years...he always had a joke and put a smile on your face. Maye he Rest In Peace. Lora and Rich Nedimyer

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