James B. “Jim” Hughes, 67, of Newington, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Hospital for Special Care, Hartford, with his wife, Diane (Slaughter) Hughes by his side.
Jim and Diane had celebrated 30 years of marriage on June 27, 2022. Jim was born on March 3, 1955, in Fairfield, IA, son to the late Milford “Knute” and Mary Catherine “Mike” (O’Toole) Hughes.
The family moved to Simsbury in 1968. Jim enlisted in the CT Army National Guard in 1981. After completing Officer Candidate School and the Officer Basic Course, he became the Property Book Officer of the 1st Bn, 102d Infantry, New Haven.
In 1990 Jim entered on an AGR tour holding various Logistics and Supply positions in the 43d Bde, 26th Yankee Division and the State Headquarters, CTARNG attaining the rank of Major then becoming a Warrant Officer.
He retired in 2009 having served honorably for 28 years. Jim had a passion for baseball – growing up playing or watching the St. Louis Cardinals. Jim also played in the Town of Newington Men’s Baseball League.
He was very active in Newington Little League where he coached for many years and was past president of the league for 5 years.
He also enjoyed watching the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bears and the University of Iowa football and basketball teams.
Jim was interested in the Civil War and was a member of the Civil War Museum located in the Rockville Town Hall. He was a proud member of the 1st Bn, 102d Infantry Association and the New Haven Grays. In addition to his wife, Diane, Jim is survived by his two sons who he was extremely proud of – Kevin J. Hughes who enlisted in the U.S. Army and is leaving for basic training on July 24, 2022, and Thomas R. “Tommy” Hughes who attends Southern CT State University and is a pitcher on their baseball team.
