James Joseph Hughes, Jr. James Joseph Hughes, Jr., age 79 of Springfield, passed away suddenly in his home on June 12, 2011. He was born on June 1, 1932, in Chicago, IL. Jim graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep, Chicago, and attended Loras College, Dubuque, IA for three years before being drafted in the US Army during the Korean War. James Hughes and Patricia Keenan were married May 8, 1954. Jim went to flight school for fixed wing and helicopter training. He served a tour in Korea, two tours in VietNam and the other 17 years of his Army career, Jim, Pat and their family enjoyed living in many locations in the US and Germany. He retired in 1973 as a decorated Major. Jim was a member of St. Agnes Cathedral parish since 1970 and became increasingly more active as a volunteer in cooking, money counting and office work, and anywhere he was needed. Jim was devoted to his faith in God, his family and his Irish heritage. His grandchildren were the delight of his life. He was a 3rd degree member of Knights of Columbus 698 and enjoyed spending time with his bowling leagues and golf team. Jim ran and completed three marathons. His artistic talent was evident in the whimsical animals he painted on rocks for friends. Another amazing talent was his original animal pancakes that were always a hit at church, schools, nursing homes and especially for his family. He received great pleasure playing Santa for Seniors Unlimited at St. Agnes, children's groups, and for parties and photos with his grandchildren. Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia Keenan Hughes; five children: Kevin Hughes of Springfield, Timothy (Cindy) Hughes of Fredricksburg, VA, Daniel (Mary) Hughes of Seattle, WA, Maureen (Randy) Copeland of Ozark and Margie Hughes of Springfield. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Ben and Claire Hughes, Thomas and Colleen Hughes, Zachary and Jacob Hughes, James (Abi), Joseph (Shelby) and Josh Copeland, and Jack Hughes Wilson; two great-granddaughters Anabelle and Mya Copeland. Jim is survived by his sisters Christelle (Ed) Kohler, and Kathleen (Harry) Wilke; brothers Patrick, John (Barbara), Francis, William and Thomas Hughes; many nieces, nephews, friends, his mother-in-law Virginia Keenan and all the Keenan in-laws who were also his family. Jim was preceded in death by his parents James and Cathryne Hughes, stepmother Beatrice, and brother Jerome. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 16, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Gorman- Scharpf Brentwood Chapel, 1947 E. Seminole, followed by a prayer service at 8:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be Friday, June 17, 10:30 a.m. at St. Agnes Cathedral officiated by Father Mike McDevitt. Burial will be in the Springfield Missouri Veterans Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Kitchen, Inc., St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Agnes, Parkview High School Band, or School to the Nations Ministry.