James J. “Jack” Hughes, 80, a long-time resident of Dumont, NJ, died peacefully and happily with his wife and family at his side. He was born in Ireland on March 26, 1942 to the late Kathleen (née Carty) and James Hughes. Beloved husband of 57 years to Anna T. (née McCarron). Loving father of Deirdre Halecky and her husband Peter, Sean M. Hughes, Kevin Hughes and his wife Suzanne. Cherished grandfather of Emma, Anya, Kiera, Kaya, Rory, and Eamon. Father-in-law to Valerie.
Jack is predeceased by his loving and kind sister, Joan, and his mother and father. Jack grew up in Dublin. He met his one and only true love, Anna. With few job prospects in Ireland, the two love birds decided to fly the coup for the United States with nothing but a few pennies in their pockets. Jack was a district manager with the Bergen Evening Record for 35 years. Upon his retirement, he went on to work as a driver with Pascack Valley Hospital, Westwood, and was a Third degree member of the Knights of Columbus, St. John’s Council #1345.
Jack lived for two things; first his family and second, fluke fishing. Jack would drop everything at the drop of a dime to help his sons, daughter and grandchildren. He loved nothing more than having his sons at his side in fishing, followed by dinner at home with all of his family. He was beloved by everyone who met him. He could talk the ear off a corn stalk, and fishing or family was always the topic. He was incredibly proud of his children, whom he and his Anna put through college somehow on the small salaries they earned. He had a goal of giving his children a better life than he had, and was proud that he was able to accomplish that.
Visiting today, Friday, June 17th, 4-8 PM at the Beaugard-McKnight Funeral Home, 869 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge. Funeral Mass Saturday, June 18th, 11 AM at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, Dumont. Interment George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James’ memory to Holy Name Hospice, 718 Teaneck Rd., Teaneck, NJ 07666 or the Hughes Family Scholarship Fund, Stockton.edu/give. A check may be mailed to The Stockton University Foundation, 101 Vera King Farris Dr., Galloway, NJ 08205.