JAMES C. HUGHES, JR., LTJG, USN
James Hughes, Jr. '49
Lucky Bag
From the 1949 Lucky Bag:
James C. Hughes, Jr.
Chateaugay, New York
During his "undergraduate" days, Jim found ample time to excel in such diverse fields as basketball and thermodynamics, not to mention several other activities. There were few who were as well read as this informed gentleman, who digested whole volumes with great speed, and was equally at home with John Milton and Milton Caniff. Having served as an aviation cadet prior to entering the Academy, air-minded Jim hoped to return to that branch of the service after graduation. His experience with de-icers, however, was not limited to aeronautics, for he has mastered a deft and subtle approach toward his numerous feminine friends. Blessed with a thoroughly likeable personality and a warm friendly nature, this smoothest of operators will be the life of the party in perpetuum.
James C. Hughes, Jr.
Chateaugay, New York
During his "undergraduate" days, Jim found ample time to excel in such diverse fields as basketball and thermodynamics, not to mention several other activities. There were few who were as well read as this informed gentleman, who digested whole volumes with great speed, and was equally at home with John Milton and Milton Caniff. Having served as an aviation cadet prior to entering the Academy, air-minded Jim hoped to return to that branch of the service after graduation. His experience with de-icers, however, was not limited to aeronautics, for he has mastered a deft and subtle approach toward his numerous feminine friends. Blessed with a thoroughly likeable personality and a warm friendly nature, this smoothest of operators will be the life of the party in perpetuum.
Loss
Jim's F4U Corsair was shot down by ground fire on August 9, 1951 over Korea. He was a member of VF-821 operating from USS Princeton (CV 37).
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
In May 1944, the Essex County Republican reported the capture of a jewelry smuggler in Chateaugay. He was hiding in the tower of an empty house. James and five Chateaugay high school students went up and were surprised by the fugitive who lined them up against a wall. Customs men also entered the house, and James’ father caught the fugitive. The students’ “delaying action” was considered instrumental in the apprehension.
James graduated from Chateaugay High School in 1944 as valedictorian. He was the second alternate to the U. S. Military Academy appointed by Representative Clarence E. Kilburn in September 1944.
He attended Middlebury College in the Navy V-12 program, and he completed flight training at Pensacola in December 1950.
James was also survived by his widow, the former Johanna Ornstedt of Malone, and one son, James.
James has a memory marker in New York.
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