James Matthew Peter Hughes, 54, Orange

James (Jim) Matthew Peter Hughes, 54, of Orange, passed away on January 21, 2022, in Port Arthur.

Funeral liturgy will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 24, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Orange. Officiating will be Father Joseph Daleo. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., with a recitation of the rosary at 10:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Orange.

Born in Orange, Texas, on December 18, 1967, Jim was the son of William Robert Hughes, Sr. and Martha (Monroe) Hughes.  He attended St. Mary Catholic School through 8th grade and was a 1986 graduate of West Orange-Stark High School.  Jim was also a Troop 1 Eagle Scout who loved spending time outdoors. After high school, Jim attended Texas A&M University where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Science and proudly held the title of Fightin’ Texas Aggie, Class of 1990.

His career as a professional construction manager included positions in both FL and TX estimating and managing projects for municipalities, industrial plants and commercial buildings.  Jim was married to Kaala Hughes for the last 5 years and loved being “Jim Pop” to their 3 grandchildren.  He was previously married to the late Nancy Smith for 11 years. 

Jim was an avid boater, fisherman, and hunter.  He enjoyed camping out and cooking with friends. He loved sports and especially football.  Jim was a longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church and enjoyed praying at Eucharistic Adoration every chance he got.  He loved dogs, loved his country and especially enjoyed reading US & world history.  He loved his family dearly.  He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Robert Hughes, Sr.; brother, William Robert Hughes, Jr.; and niece, Tiffani Danielle Hughes.

He is survived by his mother, Martha Hughes; siblings, Cynthia “Cindy” Hughes, Theresa Hughes Blankinship and husband Brian, and Kenneth Hughes and wife Kelly; sister-in-law, Anna Hughes; 13 nieces and nephews; 4 great nieces and nephews as well as numerous other family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Brian Blankinship, Michael Chalambaga, Delis Chalambaga, William Hughes, Spencer Hughes, John Hughes, Nathanael Hughes, Justin Hughes, Kolbe Hughes, and Carter Hughes. Honorary pallbearers are Jake Hughes, Brody Hughes and Derek Barbee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Southeast Texas Hospice, St. Mary School Foundation, or to the American Diabetes Association.