HUGHES, James Charles Hughes

He passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto.

Beloved husband of Virginia (nee Nobert) for 59 years. Predeceased by his parents Charles & Mary (McQuillan). Loving father of Stephen (d.1967), Jim Jr. (Laura), Jacqueline (d.1970), Denise (Aubrey Gonsalvez), Michael and Jennifer. Much love to Sandy Soave, who was like another child to him. Proud grandfather of Emily, Ben, Rebecca, Jesse, Ryan and Henry. Dear brother of Patricia Jacobs and brother-in-law to Howard Nobert (deceased) (Rochelle), Joanne (Jack Priestman, deceased) & Mary Lou (Wayne Copeland). Uncle to Colleen (Tom Golightly), Shannon Meijer (Ryan Michaels), Erin Jacobs, Brent Nobert (Joanne), Andrea (Chris Durham), Dwayne Priestman (Jeannie), Adele (Jim Tesolin), Paul Priestman (Lois), Christine Switzer, David Copeland (Selby), Leigh Anne (Frank Jacques), John Paul Copeland (Cindy) and Catherine Copeland. Jim will also be fondly remembered by his many great nieces and nephews and many cousins in the Frechette & McQuillan families.

Jim proudly called Toronto’s Beach neighbourhood home for almost 60 years, where he and Ginny built a lifetime of wonderful friendships and cherished memories with their neighbours and community.

James Charles Hughes was an incredibly proud and devoted member of the Neil McNeil brotherhood, a community that helped shape his character and where many of his lifelong friendships were formed. As a member of the school’s very first class, Jim’s connection to Neil McNeil began at its earliest foundation and remained a source of pride throughout his life. He served as President of the Student Council, embracing the leadership, faith and camaraderie that would define him for years to come. Long after graduation, Jim remained deeply connected to the school, enthusiastically supporting alumni gatherings, reunions and community events, always treasuring the friendships and memories forged there.

Jim was a devout and active member of Corpus Christi Parish throughout his life. He served as an altar boy, member of the Ministry of the Word, parish council member, funeral committee volunteer, picnic organizer, and in countless other ways over the years.

Jim was a hustler from a very young age working many jobs throughout his school years. After graduation his career path started at Merit Insurance where he was an award winning salesman. He took his sales skills next to Hersey Canada where he became the “Candy Man“ helping schools fundraise through the sales of chocolate bars. His entrepreneurial skills shone through when he founded Toronto Specialty Sales, a fundraising group where he hired many friends and relatives to continue on the same community work. Jim wasn’t just about the work, he volunteered and gave his time to many organizations and those in need. Some of those being the St.Vincent de Paul Society, the Legion of Mary, the Catholic Children’s Aid Society, Share Life, Second Harvest, the Knights of Columbus, and the Toronto Chapter of Legatus. His courage, integrity and commitment to his principles left a lasting impact on his community and on the many lives he touched. Eventually his call to servitude took over and he left the business world in 1978 to volunteer for Campaign Life Coalition, an organization dedicated to advocating for the protection of society’s most vulnerable, namely the unborn, eventually turning it into his life’s work. A passionate voice for the dignity of human life, he worked tirelessly in support of those who could not speak for themselves and inspired countless others through his conviction, compassion and unwavering sense of purpose. Jim served as National President of CLC for over 30 years, stepping down from the role in 2018. Even after, in the role of President Emeritus, he remained highly active in the movement, only stopping when his health prevented him from continuing on.

Many thanks to the Doctors and staff of St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto General Hospital and Michael Garron Hospital for their life-saving efforts and their compassionate care over the last 18 months. Much gratitude to his caregiving team-Andy, Roina, Kenjie, Janet and Joy for making Jim’s wish of remaining at home possible over the past eight months.

Relatives and friends are welcomed to Heritage Funeral Centre, 50 Overlea Boulevard, Toronto, on Sunday, May 24th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral Mass at St. Paul’s Basilica, 83 Power Street, Toronto, on Monday, May 25th at 10:30 a.m. Interment at Mount Hope Cemetery, Toronto.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choosing would be appreciated.

Events