- Date Of Death: November 21, 2012
- State: Illinois
James P. Hughes, Sr. age 91 of Elburn passed away Wednesday November 21, 2012 at his long-time residence.
Mr. Hughes was the definition of a family man, from those within his immediate family to those that he employed, as well as those with whom he conducted business. Deeply committed to trust and renowned for his business acumen, he was staunchly supportive of those who surrounded him.
Born June 25, 1921 in Michigan City, Indiana son of Harry and Harriet (Keyes) Hughes, James P. Hughes, Sr. was raised in the Beverly neighborhood in Chicago.
Mr. Hughes married attorney Dorothy T. Hughes (Murray) in 1951 and began raising his family in Oak Lawn. In 1964 the family moved to his much-loved 800 plus acre farm, Cloonlara in Elburn IL, where the family grew corn, wheat and soybeans as well as raised livestock. Both Dorothy and James Hughes recognized that fresh air, hard work, and nature were the best ingredients in shaping character and understanding life. That traditional family philosophy continued in business when in 1985 Mr. Hughes purchased the remaining shares of the Wiseman-Hughes Company. Mr. Hughes retained the “Wiseman” name even after Mr. Wiseman’s death as an honor to his long friendship and partnership during their 24 year business relationship.
James P. Hughes is responsible for building over 25% of the housing stock in Wheaton, IL. Mr.
Mr. Hughes enjoyed traveling with his wife and family, with more than 25 trips to Europe. He enjoyed cooking, often preparing family holiday meals, and professional sports: White Sox games could be heard on his radio in his office during a day game. He was devoted to his favorite charities, Marmion Academy and Rosary High School in Aurora, and Missionary Vehicles Association (MIVA) in Washington, of which he was a past chairman. A dedicated supporter to the Republican Party, Mr. Hughes, has met with former presidents, governors, and representatives throughout his career.
He is survived by his sons, James P. (Jayne) Hughes, Jr. of Naperville, Sean (Janet) Hughes of Maple Park, Michael (Patrice) Hughes of North Aurora, daughters, Maureen McKanna of Batavia, and Sheila (Robert) Fitzsimmons of Geneva; grandchildren James and Christopher Hughes, Nolan, Maggie and Kate McKanna, Michael Jr. and Lucas Hughes, Robert, Matthew, Christian and Tess Fitzsimmons and Meaghan and Erin Hughes; sister Jean Fitzmaurice (Hughes); and many nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his loving wife Dorothy (Murray) who passed away on January 3, 2011; his parents; brother Harry Hughes; and sisters Georgiana Hickey (Hughes), Eleanor Hughes, Lorraine Kilduff (Hughes)and Patricia McCafferty (Hughes).
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