James Lee (Jim) Hughes, 91, passed to Heaven on Thursday, July 8, from his home in Greenville. He was surrounded by his bride of 72 years, Opal Mae (Grooms) Hughes and daughters, Beverly and Sue. In addition, the room was filled with more than 15 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, there to honor, serve, and love him.
James grew up in rural Darke County, eldest of eight children, son of the late Irvin and Helen Hughes. In addition to his parents, Jim was also preceded in death by his sons, Gary in infancy and Tony Hughes who passed away in 2014; brother, Ron Hughes; and sister, Judy Hughes.
He graduated from Ansonia High School, president of his class. He married at age 19 to Opal. He lived and worked in Greenville most of his adult life: The Athletic, Corning Glass Works, Greenville City Park, and Eikenberry’s Grocery.
Jim’s hobby was following the high school baseball career of his son Tony and attending other Greenville Green Wave sporting events.
His passion was always his family: Beverly, Sue (Don) Schieltz and Kathy (Jeff) Huffman; son-in-law, Greg (Teddy) Woodall is also left to honor his memory. And Dr. Rick Bowlin became a confidant, showing on-going care and kindness to Jim.
Jim and Opal’s grandchildren are Jeremy (Heidi) Woodall, Ben (Kelly) Woodall, Cami (Jason) Snyder, Pete Woodall and Jamie, Zach (Sarah) Woodall, Wesley (Natalie) Woodall, Nicole (Ryan) Meikle, Sarah (Jay) Bailey, Jennifer (Sean) Whittington, Erin (Jay) Terry, Jalee (Jerry Knauss) Hughes, Lance (Rachael) Hughes. The great grandchildren are: Quinci, Copeland, Isabella, Harrison, Dylan, Owen, Simon, Annabelle (Boo), Lulu Grace (deceased 2010), Phynix, Jozlyn, Solomon, Samuel, Brenden, Nathan, Corbin, Claire, Ophelia, Major, Barron, Lauren, James, Keegan, Kinley, Henley, and Hudson.
Jim is also survived by one brother, David Hughes (Carolyn Gerling Toman) and four sisters, Janet (Paul) Stover, Miriam Cain, Sharon Gilbert, and Debby (Bill) Molenaro, as well as their children, grandchildren, numerous nieces, and nephews.
Zechar-Bailey Funeral Home will host Jim’s memorial service on Thursday, July 15: visitation noon-2, service officiated by Jeremy Woodall at 2 P.M. with Jim’s burial at Stelvideo Cemetery immediately following. Memorial donations may be sent to the Darke County Cancer Society, EverHeart Hospice, or the House that Lulu Built (local grief ministry). Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com.
