James Leslie Hughes, 92, passed away on June 21, 2018 in Amery, WI. James was born on May 3, 1926 to James and WillieFrank (Minnick) Hughes near Clayton, NM. He spent half of his childhood on his grandparent's ranch in New Mexico, and fondly remembered riding his horse to school. After graduating from High School in Aurora, CO he joined the Navy and served as a Seabee. Following his Navy service, he spent 2 years attending the Colorado State College of Education in Greeley, CO. While in Greeley he met Marian Brashear and the two married in 1947. They made their home in Aurora, CO where Jim worked for Pacific Intermoutain Express.        A daughter, Leslie was born in 1949 and another daughter, Barbara was born in 1951. After several transfers the family landed in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1963. Jim and Marian retired to Amery, WI in 1979.

James was a great lover of animals, owning several dogs, horses and cats throughout his lifetime. He possessed a great sense of humor and loved to tell jokes. He was kind, affectionate, sentimental and a very loyal friend. Organized and meticulous, friends and family would often comment on how he kept his shop and garage immaculate.

James is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Marian, daughter Barbara Ann Hughes, son-in-law Patrick Hessler and brothers Lloyd Karr and Sonny Hughes. He is survived by companion Roberta Noggle, daughter Leslie Hessler (Lyle Kaehler), Sister-in-law Kate Karr, grandchildren Melissa (Tony) Nottingham, Gretchen (Mike) Christenson, Tarrah (Adam) Dunham and Michael (Wendy) Hessler, great-grandchildren, Samuel, Teagan, Olivia, Alexis, Elaina, Cole, Leah, Isabella, Patrick, and Anna and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of James' Life will take place at the Apple River Community Church in Amery, WI at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 28, 2018. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Arnell Memorial Humane Society.