James A. Hughes

Sunset Memorial Park
Funeral Home and Crematory, LLC
1700 Barrington Rd. Midland City, AL
(334) 983-6604
Robert and Toni Byrd

www.SunsetMemorialPark.com

James A. Hughes, 82, of Cottonwood, AL passed away Wednesday July 23, 2014 at his home.

James was a native of Cottonwood having graduated high school there before entering the Air Force. After serving in the military, James went to Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) to study electrical engineering. After graduating in 1958 he began work with Georgia Power in Macon, GA followed by several years in Jonesboro, GA. The first year he lived in Jonesboro he was chosen Outstanding Young Man for his multitude of community service activities, involvement in the United Methodist Church, Scouts, and Little League Baseball. He returned to Cottonwood in 1962 to be head of the Bank of Cottonwood. Under his leadership the bank grew to a value of over eight million dollars in assets. A new facility for the bank was built under his direction and opened in 1974. After 18 years of service at the bank, James began to manage the farm holdings of W. M. Lewis Jr. and became a renowned tree farmer; known over Alabama for his stewardship of all natural resources.

James was an eager learner and a gifted, caring teacher. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sylvia Lewis Hughes; their two sons William (Gia) Hughes and Paul (Debbie) Hughes, and four grandsons Cory, Christopher, Luke and Nathan Hughes as well as many nephews and nieces. The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Covenant Hospice for the loving care shown to James and to us. In lieu of flowers please make donations in memory of James Hughes to Love in Action Ministries, P.O. Box 85, Dothan, Al 36302 or online at www.loveinactionministries.com, to the Wiregrass United Way Food Bank, 382 Twitchell Road, Dothan, Al. 36303 or online at www.wiregrassfoodbank.com, or to Covenant Hospice, 104 Rock Bridge Rd, Dothan, AL 36303 or online at www.covenanthospice.org.

Graveside services will be held at 10 am Friday July 25, 2014 in the Hughes Family Cemetery, 202 Burl Lee Road, Cottonwood, Alabama with Rev. Bruce Johnson officiating and Robert Byrd directing. In honoring Mr. Hughes' request, please dress casual and comfortable for his graveside services. The family will receive friends following the services.

Robert Byrd of Sunset Funeral Home, (334) 983-6604, is in charge of arrangements. Please call us or visit www.SunsetMemorialPark.com for more information.