Feb 19, 2023

Jack N. Hughes, Jr., 66, of West Alexander, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 16, 2023, surrounded by his family. Although he fought an aggressive gastrointestinal cancer over five short weeks, he lived graciously and courageously until the very end.

He was born March 5, 1956, in Washington, a son of the late Jack N. Hughes and Veronica M. Malinky Hughes.

He graduated from Trinity High School in 1974. He worked at Washington Steel, Houston Plant, for 39 years before retirement.

Jack (also known as “Butch”) was truly passionate about his lifelong hobbies. He enjoyed hunting, camping, farming, and just about anything that he could do in the fresh air. An accomplished hunter, Jack looked forward to his hunting trips with friends and family; some of his favorite experiences included Tennessee whitetail hunting, Colorado elk hunting, moose hunting in Alaska, bear hunting in Canada, and taking his grandson on his first deer hunt this past November.

Jack and his wife loved to travel to the western part of the country. Some of their most memorable trips were visiting the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, where they also exchanged wedding vows at the Crazy Horse Memorial site. Most recently, his inexhaustible pursuit of freedom, strength, and adventure took them to Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, where they embraced the unique celebration with close friends. Although his body and mind were rarely idle, one could find him traveling to the beach in pursuit of sunshine therapy with his wife and family.

Above all, he fiercely protected his family and friends; his kind blue eyes always shone a brighter light when he spoke about his grandchildren. Jack’s willingness to lend a helping hand was unrivaled. Whether the task was mending a fence, building a house, or delivering his grass fed beef across the state, one could always count on him to be there (maybe not on time, but he would ALWAYS be there).

Left to cherish his loving memories are his devoted wife, Debbie Young Hughes; his daughter, Shawn L. Watkins (Josh); son, Jack N. Hughes, III (Tina); stepdaughters, Sarah Bearoff (Frank) and Catherine Ealy (Jason); seven grandchildren, Serenity and Jack Hughes IV, Liam and Emersyn Watkins, Leroy, Henry and Silas Ealy; sisters, Rhonda Ewing, Dobbie Aanderud (Jim), Terry Varner (the late Tom); in-laws, Jon and Helen Young; and nieces and nephews.

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

At the request of Jack, there will be no formal viewing or service.

Condolences may be expressed at www.stefkovichfuneralhome.com.