HAVERHILL, MA – James R. Hughes, age 77, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2023 at his home. He was the beloved husband of Constance A. (Welch) Hughes with whom he shared 25 years of marriage.

He was born in Haverhill on January 14, 1946 and was the son of the late Paul and Margaret (McCabe) Hughes.

Jim proudly served his country enlisting in the United States Army. He was wounded twice in Vietnam. He was awarded 2 Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star medal, and the Air medal. Jim graduated from Haverhill Trade School in 1964 and went to work for Walsh's foreign car which later became Merrimac Valley Datson where he was employed for several years. He then went on to work as a mechanic for the city of Haverhill for 26 years. He restored 3 antique cars and enjoyed many car shows and road trips with his wife and a group of good friends. He enjoyed fishing, camping with family, tinkering in the garage, helping anyone with just about anything, using his beloved tractor (Allice Chalmers). He enjoyed frequenting antique junkyards to find hidden treasures. He enjoyed building and racing cars beginning at The Pines Speedway in Groveland, MA as well Star Speedway in Epping, NH, and the Hudson Speedway, Hudson, NH.

Besides his wife, Jim is survived by his stepchildren Glenn Franklin of Waynesville, GA., Lynn Strouth of Citra, FL, and Heather Morgan and her husband Lou of Abington, MA, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brother Mike Hughes and his wife Gail of Salem, OR, Paul Hughes and his wife Sharon of Newburyport, MA, John Hughes and his wife Karin of Newton, NH, Cathy Hill and her husband Gerald of Groveland, MA, Mary Nicklas and her husband Kevin of Merrimac, MA, Dorothy Hayden of Stowe, VT, Richard Hughes and his wife Cathy of Waterville, VT as well as many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours to be held on Monday, January 15, 2024 from 4pm – 7pm at the Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home 116 Main Street Plaistow, NH. His funeral service and interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to www.dana-farber.org or to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.