James Hughes

James Hughes of Oconomowoc. Jim passed away from complications of Alzheimer's disease on March 30, 2010, at the age of 75. He was born on August 29, 1934, in Fox Point, Wisconsin, to parents Red and Estelle Hughes. Jim was the quintessential 'True Gentleman' and he lived that creed to the letter. His heart beat a little faster when his wife of 52 years, Peggy, entered the room and saddened a little when she left. In addition to Peggy he is survived by their children Jim Jr. (Ana) and Shauna (Jim Beebe) and his two beloved grandchildren, Michael, age 19, and Annie, age 12. Jim graduated from Wauwatosa High School in 1953 and Ripon College in 1958. He married Peggy shortly after graduation and proceeded to serve over three years as a First Lieutenant in the Army stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia and Fort Richardson, Alaska. Jim owned a Milwaukee Advertising Agency for 25 years. He loved his work and loved his employees even more ? they became family, his ?kids?. Because of his outstanding talent, his dedication to his clients and his reputation as one of Wisconsin's most honest businessmen, his Agency flourished. He represented both local and national accounts. Jim formed the Milwaukee Association of Advertising Agencies in 1976 and served multiple terms as it's president. Jim was a Mason and served as Worshipful Master of Oconomowoc-Hartland Lodge No. 42 in 1975. He served on the Board of Directors of the American Lung Association from 1992-2000 and served as President of the American Lung Association of Wisconsin, 1998-1999. Jim retired on January 1, 1997, hoping to improve his golf game. That never happened but he did enjoy many years on the golf course at Lac La Belle Golf Club and Biltmore Forest Country Club in Asheville, NC. He loved traveling back and forth between his Oconomowoc and Asheville homes but there was never any doubt that Oconomowoc was where his heart remained. Jim's happiest times were the 36 years he spent at home on Lac La Belle. He was able to golf and enjoy a good laugh almost to the end, thanks to the patient support of his loving friends Curt & Fran Peterson. Jim held his family and close friends tightly. His order priorities never changed: ?I am a husband, a father, a son, a friend, and lastly, an advertising executive...in that order!? He wanted, ?no final rites or any mumbo jumbo.? The family respects those wishes. We will celebrate his life each day as he wanted us to - picking up his torch and carrying it forward for future generations. We miss you Dad! We miss you Grandpa! If desired, memorials may be made in Jim's name to the Oconomowoc Area Foundation. PO Box 185 Oconomowoc,WI 53066 Ph 262-567-0604 www.oconomowocareafoundation.com