Dates
Jim H Hughes, 81 of San Angelo, TX entered his heavenly home on March 19, 2024.
Jim was born a “Preachers Kid” in San Antonio, Texas to Henry B Hughes and Kathrene Webb Hughes. His parents were called to minister in many states including Idaho, Minnesota & Indiana. Jim grew up in the church with his parents. As a child and teenager he fished the Midwest waters, watched and played ice hockey and rode trains. One of his most favorite memories was hopping on a train in the summer to visit cousins in West Texas.
Jim graduated high school in Marion, IN. After graduation Jim completed his Business Degree at Bethany Nazerene College. He then earned his Masters Degree in History and School Administration at the University of Central Oklahoma. It was in college where Jim met his partner for life, Nancy K Garrison. Jim & Nancy married in August 1966 then set out to build a life together.
Jim began his career teaching High School in Las Cruses, NM. They then moved to Roswell, NM where Jim was Commissioned as a Captain at The New Mexico Military Institute. Jim taught classes, but his most rewarding duty was serving as the advisor / coach to the first ever Rodeo Team at the Institute. With Jim as their lead, the team started from the ground up building their own stalls and barns. The program grew under Jim. He and his team traveled the nation competing in rodeos.
While he enjoyed teaching and guiding young men, Jim had a love for cattle and all things Wild West. This love was planted when he was a young man exploring Coke County in West Texas alongside his cousins. Jims adventurous nature and excellent business mind led he and Nancy to the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas in the town of McAllen. While in McAllen, Jim operated sale barns in Rio Grande City and Mercedes. He traded cattle to and from Mexico. His stories of adventure were as abundant as the cattle he traded.
While in McAllen, Jim and Nancy started their family. Having two sons, Lane then Ladd then daughter Lori. His family enjoyed the Texas coast spending long summer days at South Padre Island. Since Jim was raised to travel, there was never a road too long. It was not unusual for Jim to load his family of 5 in the car and head North to the Mountains of New Mexico to be near their grandparents even if it was just a weekend. In all his travels Jim’s heart was never far from West Texas. Jim wanted his children to grow up in that culture so in 1987 Jim moved his family to San Angelo, TX.
It was San Angelo where Jim finally set his roots.
He started Hughes Company a Commodity futures brokerage. He worked in Agri real-estate sales and development. Jim had ranching interests with his sons in multiple Counties. While running his businesses Jim served on many boards, he had local government and civil affiliations. Jim was a proud member of San Angelo City Council and he served on the Economic Development Board, the City Recreation Board and Civic Events Board. He served on the Chamber of Commerce board and Military Affairs Committee. He was President of the Concho Valley Boy Scouts and Home Builders Association. Board member of: YMCA, West Texas Boys Ranch, West Texas Rehab, San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association, Angelo State University Foundation Board and Ruidoso Jockey Club.
Jim loved his community and was a true ambassador for the people of San Angelo.
As much as Jim loved his community, he loved his family even more. Jim was most proud of his wife, his three children, their spouses and his seven grandchildren. The titles he cherished the most were “Pops” to his children and “Poppy” to his grandchildren. He loved spending time with his family at his home on Lake Nasworthy and at the Ranch. Following his grandchildren and their sporting accomplishments made him swell with pride; a “I’m proud of you” and an “I love you” were familiar statements spoken over his family.
It was the simple things that mattered most to Jim; fishing, feeding cows, a green wheat field, a good horse and a great meal with friends or family brought him great joy. Jim had many adventures that led him to travel the United States- typical of his upbringing. Jim never pulled out a map, but he could navigate to most anywhere in the US. No matter where he traveled Jim was never far from the church. He raised his family as he had been raised with a strong foundation of faith. Across the miles of rural roads, up the arid mountains, in the Southern valleys, across the vast deserts, and the multiple rivers, lakes, and oceans, Jim was at peace with the simple pleasures that he found right here in West Texas with his family.
Those left to honor his memory are: His devoted wife of 58 years Nancy Hughes. His son Lane Hughes and wife Stacia and their children Tate and Sealie. His son Ladd Hughes and wife Laura Hughes and their children Trey and Halle. His daughter Lori Beall of Southlake, TX and her children Karley, Ryanne & Reese.
Jim will be available for viewing starting Saturday, March 23, 2024, through Sunday at Harper Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Monday March 25, 2024, at Fairmont Cemetery at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to West Texas Rehab.