James M. Hughes Jr.

Jim Hughes, 68, died Monday, August 26 after a long illness. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen (McGinn) Hughes of Holden, who, in addition to being the love of his life, was his champion, best friend and caregiver.

Born February 9, 1956 in Youngstown, Ohio, Jim was his father’s namesake and the fourth of five children born to Jim and Jane Hughes. After spending his early years in Youngstown, Ohio, Jim moved with his family to Bradford, Pennsylvania where he was a proud graduate of the BAHS Class of 1974. Jim then found his way to Oxford, Ohio, graduating in Business from Miami University in 1978. Days after graduation he moved to Boston, and New England became his home for the rest of his life.

Jim followed in his brother Bob’s footsteps, both in moving to New England and in joining the sales team at IBM right out of college. Family, friends and former colleagues would tell you Jim was a “born salesman” who was competitive, with a booming voice and a spectacularly joyful laugh, who made friends wherever he went. A longtime Celtics fan, Jim turned his attention to the Red Sox after marrying Kathy in 2010. They enjoyed many games together, but he also enjoyed watching them with his mother-in-law, Kay McGinn, who taught him how to yell at the TV during games.

Jim had a successful career in technology sales, leading regional teams and training others in the art of the sale. His most memorable years were spent at Digital Equipment Corporation where he made friends for life, and also had the chance to work alongside his brother.

Jim is also survived by sisters Kathy (Dave) Sapko of Crossville, Tennessee, and Betsy (Lyle) Zimbler of South Bend, Indiana, along with nephews and niece, Jeff Sapko, and Will and Livie Zimbler. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Jane, siblings Bob and Peg, mother-in-law Kay, and a lifetime of beloved four-legged children.

The family offers special thanks for the compassionate care and love shown to Jim by the staff of CareOne at Millbury.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Jim’s memory by visiting a family member or old friend you’ve lost touch with, and to make a gift in his memory to Buddy Dog Humane Society www.buddydoghs.org.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, August 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be Thursday, August 29, with a Mass at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 111 Worcester St., West Boylston. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester.