James Hughes

James Wendell “Jim” Hughes, 81, of Waco, passed away April 1, 2015 at St. Catherine’s Providence Hospice in Waco. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Friday, April 3, 2015 at Blair-Stubbs Chapel with Rev. Jeff Stinson officiating. A graveside service will follow in the Mexia Cemetery with full Military Honors. Visitation with the family will be 1:30-3:00 p.m., Friday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home. Jim was born July 18, 1933 to John and Effie Mae Jones Hughes in Deliah, Texas. He grew up in Mexia and attended Mexia ISD prior to joining the U S Air Force. He proudly served his country for 22 years, from 1948 until 1970. Jim married JoAnn Whitley on January 20, 1975. He and JoAnn were owners and operators of Jim’s Krispy Chicken in Mexia and Waco for many years, prior to retirement. Jim was known as an extremely hard worker. His love for God and his family were very evident. He loved spending time with his family and serving his church. He was an active member of the Church of The Redeemed in Waco. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn, a week ago; a devastating loss that caused him tremendous grief. He was also preceded in death by his parents; son, Richard Wayne Hughes; son-in-law, Brian Erkfitz; brothers, John, Jr. and William L. Hughes; and sister, Lenora Hughes West. Jim is survived by his children, James L. Hughes and wife, Peggy, Steven Hughes and wife, Shara, Sherry Erkfitz and fiancé, Anthony Duron and Wesley Hughes and wife, Natalie; grandchildren, James E. Hughes and wife, Erin, Kim Nixon and husband, Danny, Blake Hughes, Ashley Hughes, Christiana Hughes, Cameron Erkfitz and Meagan Erkfitz; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be James Hughes, Steven Hughes, Wesley Hughes, Blake Hughes, James E. Hughes, Cameron Erkfitz and Anthony Duron.