John Hughes
Obituary
John C. Hughes Jr., Lt Col, USAFR (retired), 82, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 6th 2013 at Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama. John was born on February 17, 1931 and was the eldest child of the late John C. and Kathleen Jackson Hughes. He was preceded in death by his wife, June Delores Conti Hughes. He graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in 1949 after which he enlisted in the Naval Reserves and attended Huntingdon College. He received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force Reserves in 1953. He underwent navigator training on multiple platforms including in the B-25 Mitchell. He last flew with the 84th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron at Hamilton AFB in California and he retired in 1971 after more than 22 years of dedicated service to his country. John loved to learn and teach and obtained multiple degrees from several colleges and universities including an MPA from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. He was an avid student of history and enjoyed classical music. He was extremely proud of his Irish heritage and loved Irish hymns. He was a faithful parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prattville, Alabama. He served in leadership positions of several civic organizations including The Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis, and Civitan clubs. After retiring from the Air Force Reserves, he worked at Father Walter's Children's Home in Montgomery. Above all else, John dearly loved and was extremely proud of his large family and was a devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by four sons and two daughters, Dr. Michael P. Hughes (Yolanda), of Olanta, SC, John C Hughes III (Peggy) of Alpine, TX, James L. Hughes (Blanquita) of Prattville, AL, Thomas A. Hughes (Helen) of Prattville, AL, Mary L. Pryor (Jeff) of Perryville, OH, and Janet M. Davis (Dr. Benjamin Harris) of Montgomery, AL. Left to cherish the wonderful memories of their beloved "Papa J" are 14 grandchildren, Gary Hughes, Mike Hughes, Jeremiah Hughes, Robert Hughes, Brian Hughes, Kayla Gray, Kimberly Biles, David Carmichael, Jeffery Pryor, Josh Pryor, Justin Pryor, Jeremy S. Walker, Ryan Leigh Walker, and Chase A. Davis. He is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Surviving brothers include Bill Hughes Sr. (Faye) of Montgomery, Walter Hughes (Nancy) of Birmingham, and Harry Hughes (Nancy) of Florence, AL. The family will receive friends Friday, May 10 from 5-7 pm at White Chapel. Fr. Jan Zagorski will conduct the Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prattville, AL at 1 pm Saturday, May 11. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery with full military honors. The grandsons will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the St. Jude Exceptional Children's Center at 2048 W. Fairview Ave, Montgomery, AL 36108.
Published in the Montgomery Advertiser from May 8 to May 9, 2013