James (Jim) F Hughes, age 86, entered eternal life on March 12, 2026, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Jim was born on September 18, 1939, in Brooklyn, NY, a son to the late James and Irene Hughes.

He served in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1960, and was a Radioman 2nd class, and was honorably discharged and then graduated from the New York State Police Academy in 1961 and spent the next 20 years as a New York State Trooper. Jim retired in 1981 and was elected Town Justice in Clifton Park in 1982, where he would serve in that role until 2025. Jim enrolled at Albany Law School in 1984, graduating and passing the bar in 1987. He then enjoyed a career that lasted 38 years as a lawyer. He lived law enforcement and continuing education. Beyond the above accolades he also graduated from HVCC in 1971 earning an A.A.S in Police Science. He graduated from Russell Sage College in 1973 with a B.S in Criminal Science, while being a full-time State Trooper.

Jim was stationed on the Eastern tip of Long Island early in his career and was transferred "upstate" in 1967 to Clifton Park, which is a town he called home until his passing.

Jim was also a fitness fanatic for much of his life. He was a runner and completed marathons, and for years was the first person at the local YMCA for his morning workout. He will dearly miss his 2 cats, Kitty and Tweety, and his morning Stewarts coffee with friends.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in his death by his daughter Christine, whom he cherished, and his sisters, Irene Randazzo and Adeline O'Connor. He is survived by his son, Michael (and wife Sheryl), his 2 grandsons, James and Michael, His sister, Patricia Kitson, his wife (separated), Elaine Hughes, his partner of the last 24 years, Donna Miranda, and many loving and caring nieces and nephews.

Jim has said 2 things consistently over the years… The thing he is most proud of is his time as a State Trooper. His big regret in life was not having any hobbies and that he could never truly "relax". It is with mixed feelings that I can say, he can finally relax now. R.I.P Dad.

A period of visitation will be held for Jim on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 10:00 am until 11:30 am at St. Edward The Confessor, 569 Clifton Park Center Rd, Clifton Park, NY 12065, followed immediately by a mass at 11:30. Jim will be laid to rest following the mass at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Jim can be made to the Friends of Saratoga County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 788 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or on-line at https://friendsofscas.org/make-a-donation/

Special thanks to The Wesley Community and Community Hospice of Saratoga. Tara, we could NOT have done this without you.