December 2, 1937 – June 21, 2016
Hughes, James Owen “Jim” – After a brief illness, on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, in his 79th year. Beloved husband of Joan (nee Swaine), and loving father to Michelle Hughes, Alyson Doerr (Ralph) and Darleen Turner (Sam). Jim will be sadly missed by his grandchildren Rafe, Max, Owen and Aiden and his brother Marty (Mary). Jim was the favourite uncle to many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his sisters Jean and Kay. Jim was a member of the CYO for over 50 years, and was retired Principal and Teacher with the Hamilton Separate School Board. Friends will be received by the family on Friday evening from 7 -9 at the Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday morning at 10 o’clock at ST. AUGUSTINE’S CHURCH, 58 Sydenham St., Dundas. Prayer Vigil Friday evening at 7 o’clock. In lieu of flowers, donations to the CYO or the Good Shepherd Centres would be appreciated by the family.
I had the pleasure of having Mr. Hughes as my principal at St. Eugene’s when I graduated Grade 8 in 1972. He was such a nice man, always so cheerful. My sincere condolences to his family. I am sure he will be greatly missed.
A genuinely joyous man. Sincerest condolences to family and friends.
I was Jim’s secretary at Regina Mundi School for many years. He was a great Principal, Boss & great guy! Will be greatly missed. Hope the good memories his family has will be of some comfort during this difficult time. Beverley Simpson
What other teacher would suggest bringing in chocolate cake as a means to earn bonus points on a presentation? None other than Mr. Hughes! High school was a roller coaster of emotions–confusing, challenging, exciting–and yet his love of teaching and his kind heart always put everyone at ease. Even on his daily mall walks, he managed to brighten up a former student’s day with a smile, wink and thumbs up. I’ve missed that. I hope your family finds some comfort in these memories, and I send them my sincerest condolences. Rest in peace Mr. Hughes.
Sandra [Botelho] Bonaparte
Class of ’89
Cathedral Girls High School
My heart breaks for all of you. What a wonderful and dignified man he was. Sending all the love and support I can to everyone!
Wendy
Some have been fortunate to call Mr. Hughes their principal…some fortunate to call him their teacher…some fortunate to call him a friend…I have been blessed with calling him all three. I feel privileged having known a man who loved life and his family. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Hughes family—may the memories you have created with Jim carry you through this difficult time.
Mr Hughes will forever be an epitome of excellence in so many aspects of life. He was a mentor and friend, in addition to being an outstanding teacher. Furthermore, for several years he has been a wonderfully funny FB friend… I looked forward to tagging him on weather posts and cruising articles (the Concordia crash discussion lasted for weeks lol). It was always at delight running into him at the yearly elementary school Christmas recital – he was so proud of his grandkids. Our paths crossed several times during life and I look forward to meeting up again in heaven. I will miss you – my sincerest condolences to Mrs Hughes and family
I never met Mr. Hughes, I am however very grateful for his role in making Michelle the person she is. On the Ark of Angels, Godspeed.
I met Jim when I worked at the CYO, he was always smiling and when I met you Joan and saw what a Great Relationship you had together I knew why he was so happy. My prayers are with you Joan and your family.
Mr. Hughes was my grade 10 Religion teacher in 1988 – truly one in a million!! My deepest condolences to his family…he will be truly missed…. I loved having him as a friend on facebook.
My sincerest condolences….i had the honour of having Mr.Hughes in my life as a child and a teenager. And blessed for facebook for the ongoing memories as an adult? He will truly be missed..never forgotten and always be loved..thank you for touching my life??
Jim and I were classmates at Cathedral Boys’ back in the 1950s. Cathedral’s reputation as a tough-nosed, occasionally violent, school was well deserved. The staff had an abnormally high number of teachers who truly were ‘the hounds of heaven’ whereas the so-called students were rough-and-tumblers whose hijinks bordered between hooliganism and slap-stick. It was the ideal place for a Jim Hughes who was short, feisty and quick of wit.
He was more than a survivor; he, also, was learning his craft as a future educator.
Forty years later, at a retirement dinner the first three presenters of the retirees waxed poetic about their retirees. Honey-lipped, almost fawning, they described the retirees as Nobel prize-winners. As the last retiree, I stood at the podium awaiting my ‘secret’ presenter. Was it the director? a Ministry person? the Bishop?. From behind the curtain strides one Jim Hughes who proceeds to shock and befuddled a sedate crowd as he delivered the best roast I had ever been part of. Jim and I were back at Cathedral as teenagers, and Jim was using his magic to paint a picture that was unbelievably funny, yet true about one aging educator…..me. Jim and I were laughing so loudly that we totally missed the fact that the rest of the room was almost silent. Jim then surveyed the room, saying “You had to have been there, folks!” Then Jim and I laughed again. A memorable night…..at least, for Jim and me!!!!!!
Our deepest condolences at the lose you’ve suffered. We’re keeping you all in our hearts and thoughts. Lots of love
Mr. Hughes was my teacher at Cathedral Girls High School. He was an absolute treasure. Years after I graduated I would run into him during his mall walks. I feel so honoured to have had such a dedicated teacher who was also so funny, sweet and caring. My deepest condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren. Rest in Peace Mr. Hughes and enjoy your heavenly walks xo
I have known Jim since I was 13. He was my grade 8 teacher. Always happy and positive he made me feel there were no limitations in life unless we set them ourselves. When I graduated teachers’ college he was on the hiring panel and again that smiling face calmed my nerves. We met again as colleagues at CHS. He was such a positive influence on students and teachers alike. His spirit will live on in the many he has influenced over the years. His joyfulness and humour will be long remembered. My deepest condolences to his family.
Mr. Hughes has always held a special place in my heart. His warmth and compassion during one of the most difficult times in my life, and in years to follow truly surpassed his role as principal.
My deepest condolences to family and friends. Rest in eternal peace.
Dear Joan and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Jim was one of the most loved individuals I have ever met…I always said the best thing that happened to CGHS was the gift of Jim Hughes….it’s obvious from all the facebook comments that his students truly loved him…and he loved them…he was an amazing person who made this world a better place.
May God give each of you the strength to continue spreading the love and joy, that was Jim Hughes.
Jim was a wonderful friend. He was always a happy guy with lots of funny stories to tell. He was a great teacher, taught me in grade 6 at St. Joseph School. I send my prayers to your family at this time of sorrow. I am sorry that I will be away on family matters during the visitation and funeral. All our love to Joan and family. . Darleen, hope you are doing well, you were always one of my favorite students. Your loss is shared with many others.
Mr.Hughes, one of my finest most inspirational teachers at Cathedral Girls high school. My fondest memories of him is being on Student council together. He made that year great! He’s jokes, smiles and loving spirit was our daily boost. Reconnecting with him on facebook made me so happy to see he enjoyed his retirement with his family and his dear wife. Proving that he was not only a dedicated teacher but father, husband and grandfather. Rest in Peace Sir and I hope your family will heal with time.
I met Jim at Cathedral Girls High School in 1989. He was always so funny with his stories of vacationing at Burlington Beach.
Jim’s love of beautiful plants that he would put throughout the school especially the beautiful poinsettia tree he placed in the attendance office where I worked as a secretary.
Jim played Santa Claus at the secretary’s Christmas parties and had us always in stitches laughing and having a good time.
I will miss seeing him walking through the mall and stopping to talk.
My deepest condolences to his wife and family at this difficult time. I will keep him and his family in my prayers.
i was privileged to work with Jim in many capacities, particularly as a principal. His sense of humour, twinkling eyes, and apt sayings managed to keep the Principals’ meetings and others better for all of us.
And to think he even tried to teach some of us the guitar on Saturdays at St. Eugene’s; a man of many talents.
My sincere condolences to Joan and family.
I have known jim for over 15 years I always was at jim’s table with Tom rocchi we had such a great time you will be number one now for ever it will not be the same without you.you always razzed me about the leafs ?my deepest condolences to Joan ,michelle and family. John downton
Heartfelt sympathy to Joan and family. Words do not ease the pain but his spirit is with you and your children. Jim was a terrific person and he will be greatly missed and remembered by many.
Worked with Jim for many years at Cathedral. We were also advisors to many Student Councils together and I will always remember his wit and laughter. They were my best years of working at the school and we continued our friendship after retirement. He will be greatly missed by many. My condolences to his family.
Jim worked with my brother and I at Cathedral Boys’ and Girls’ Schools. As young teachers, we learned so much from Jim… His professionalism, wit, love and spirit were things to admire and recognize as key ingredients if one was to become an effective, sincere teacher … My brother and I were so fortunate to have taught with and learned so much from “ole Jimmy Boy” … Thanks for everything my man, especially the memories … we never met a finer gentleman or teacher.
Joe and Filip Aref…
to Joan and family Our very sincere sympathy. We will always remember Jim,his warm smile and great laugh. Always looked forward seeing you and hearing some funny stories from Jim. Hope these memories will stay in our hearts and minds. From Ron and Flo Forbes
I feel incredibly privileged to have been a student of Mr. Hughes. He was truly an unforgettable character in the halls of old Cathedral. His passion for education and tremendous humor were gifts to those of us fortunate enough to be educated by him. I’ll always appreciate the kind support he graciously extended to me when my own father passed and am grateful to have been blessed with his friendship. His infectious spirit will be missed terribly by so many. Wishing his cherished family and loved ones solace during this exceptionally difficult time.
Mr. Hughes will be missed, was my teacher in high school, still came Visit us at work as he did his walks in the mall, with a big smile and a hug,
Rip ❤
My condolences to the family
Fly high Mr. Hughes! You were one of the most genuine people I have ever met, at school you were the teacher we all wanted for Religion, in our adult lives we enjoyed bumping into you and listening to your stories! Your love and pride for you family was always so beautiful to see and somehow it always left me feeling so happy to know people like you really exist!! Until we meet again….
The world has lost a truly good man and bright spot. Jim Hughes was non-stop wit, laughter, and joy, He had the knack of bringing his light to any dark corner and making every individual feel special. Sincere and deepest condolences to his wonderful family.
Maggie Weller
Our sincere sympathy to Jim’s family at this sad time. Jim was always quick with laughter and good humour, a true pleasure tone around.
God Bless,
Vera Walker and family
Mr. Hughes was a great guy and an amazing teacher. His wisdom and advice helped so many students. He will be sadly missed but I’m sure he is smiling and giggling up in heaven.
So sorry to hear the news today what a wonderful man that impacted our life and filled our lives with wonderful memories nikki
thankyou ray reed for a wonderful walk down memory lane in your message
Some of my fondest high school memories are in Mr. Hughes class. It was a place where you could learn, laugh and be yourself. There were plenty of silly memories along with serious conversations and he would often tell us wonderful stories about his own family, and how dear they were to him.
Although you are grieving his loss, please know how many hundreds, even thousands of lives Mr. Hughes inspired through out he years as an Educator.
My deepest condolences to his loved ones.
Karen Baring (John)
Cathedral Girls – Class of 1990
It has been a very, very long time since I have been in touch with Jim and I note his passing with profound sadness. We graduated from Hamilton Teachers College together with Jim accepting a position in a Catholic elementary school in west end Hamilton while I began my career in Ancaster Township. We visited each other’s schools to look at student responses to our naive but energetic efforts to capture the interest and imaginations of the youngsters we were so honoured to have in our classes. Prior to those first professional efforts, I recall Jim, Marty, and their sister’s arrival in Dundas where they all spent the summers at the Lions pool where Vince Dunn and the late Jim Wright were lifeguards. Such warm memories of a good guy!
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”
-Henry Adams
Rest in peace Mr. Hughes
Never had the opportunity to meet Jim, but through what I have witnessed in “Michelle” I feel grateful to have been touched by the qualities of grace, hope and love that Jim passed to his children. May Jim’s soul find me one day in Heaven so I can tell him that through his friends recollections of him – that he inspired me, even after life. In closing I believe this to be true… “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.”
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Hughes, family and friends. I remember vividly having Miss Swaine as
my Grade 2 (Blessed Sacrament School) teacher in 1965. I was very fortunate.
– God Bless
Phil Monson
It has been a year since Jim (my cousin) passed away when he was in university and then started teaching he would pick me up in a school bus and take me to summer camp. As I became an adult he was an amazing supportive friend. Well and truly missed and certainly not forgotten