James Howard Hughes

James passed away at the University Medical Center, Texas Tech, in El Paso, Texas after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. He was 81. James was born in Pensacola, Florida to Hugh Quentin Hughes and Lillie Pearl Hughes. After several years in Pensacola, the family moved to his mother’s hometown, Meridian, Mississippi. James attended Meridian High School and then earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Upon graduation from college, James joined the Army and served in army missile batteries ranging from Hawk missile batteries to Patriot missile systems.

Over the following years James rose through the Army’s non-commissioned ranks and attained the army’s highest non-commissioned rank of Command Sergeant Major. During James’ early military career he was stationed at a base near Gwacheon City, South Korea. It was here that James met his wife, Sang Im. Sang was the love of James’ life and that love only grew as the 53 years of marriage passed. After marrying, James and Sang were stationed at bases in South Korea, Germany, Hawaii and across the United States.

After James’ retirement from the army, he began working with the Texas Department of Veterans Affairs Jobs. After six years working for the state of Texas. James then decided to fully retire and remain in El Paso, Texas.

James loved spending time with Sang, retired army friends and their spouses. He also loved traveling around the world as part of his overseas army assignments.

James is survived by his wife, Sang Hughes of El Paso, his brother, Terry Hughes of Woodsboro, MD, and his sister, Susan Poynter of Foley, AL. James is pre-deceased by his mother, Lillie Hughes of Meridian, MS and his father, Hugh Hughes.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Restlawn. Graveside services with full military honors will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.