James Valentine ‘Jim’ Hughes
James Valentine (“Jim”) Hughes was born on April 4, 1946, in Ironton, Mo. He passed away at the Presbyterian Manor in Farmington, Mo., on June 8, 2020, having attained the age of 74 years, two months, and four days.
Jim was raised in Ste. Genevieve, Mo. After graduating from the Ste. Genevieve Schools in 1964, Jim attended the Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Mo., where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in English in 1968. After teaching a brief period in the Perryville and Ste. Genevieve schools, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp., serving from January 1969 until Septemer 1970. Corporal Hughes was trained as a marksman, and was stationed on the Okinawa Island of Japan. Following his honorable discharge in September 1970, he continued his faithful military service as a reservist in the Marine Corp until December 1974. During these four years, Jim again enrolled at SEMO, where he earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration. While there, he met Georganna (Warren) Shy, also a student. They fell in love. Jim and Georganna were married on August 23, 1974.
Mr. Hughes lived much of his adult life in Ellington, Mo. He served as an English and Speech instructor in the Lesterville High School, and as an elementary principal in the Centerville and Southern Reynolds County School Districts, all in Reynolds County. His retirement began after the 1999-2000 school year.
Jim loved music, especially church and gospel music. He possessed a beautiful voice, and used it to glorify his Lord and Savior. For many years, he served as choir director (and in other capacities) for the First Baptist Church of Ellington. Jim also loved animals and being outdoors. He trained, shod, and competitively showed horses of different breeds, particularly quarter horses. And, he was particularly fond of Jilly, his cat.
Jim was a loving family man, a devoted Christian, and a highly-respected community member. He was well-educated, polished and professionally-articulate, and most certainly a kind and compassionate gentleman. His was a life very well lived.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, James V. Hughes, and mother, Mary Ethlene (Richardson) Hughes. Surviving relatives include his loving wife, Georganna, who now resides in Farmington; three brothers – Joseph (and wife Martha) Hughes of Jefferson City, Mo.; Stephen (and wife Sharon) Hughes of St. Charles, Mo.; and Mark (and wife Mary) Hughes of Ste. Genevieve; two stepdaughters – Lisa (and husband Edward) Shy Hunt of Farmington, and Pamela (and husband Daniel) Shy Capps of Chesterfield, Mo.; and one stepson – Russell Warren Shy of Ironton. Mr. Hughes will be deeply missed by his loved ones and his countless friends and admirers.
To honor the life of Mr. James V. Hughes, memorials to the Parkinson’s Foundation are encouraged.
