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James Don Hughes - Class of 1940

Submitted by Bill Norvell 1965 <w.norvell@att.net> on 19/Jan/2024
107.145.169.130

    James (Don) Hughes passed away on January 12, 2024 in Potomac Falls, VA. He was born on July 7, 1922 in Balmville, NY. On June 4th, 1946 Don graduated from West Point, was commissioned in the Army Air Corps and married his high school sweetheart, Bette Masterson.

In the Air Force, Don flew gliders, P-51 Mustangs, F-4 Phantoms and numerous other fighter aircraft. While in Korea he flew 101 combat missions and received the Purple Heart. During his nearly forty-year career, Don commanded the 9th, 12th and Pacific Air Forces consecutively. He was the recipient of the prestigious Order of The Sword Award from the non-commissioned officer corps, and in 2009 received The Distinguished Graduate Award from West Point.

While serving in the Air Force, Don had the privilege of being the military assistant to Vice President, and later President Nixon. Their relationship grew into a friendship that continued well after their time together in The White House.

In his retirement, Don continued his service to our nation. Soon after returning to Newburgh, he became involved in a twelve-year effort to recognize all service members that had received the Purple Heart. Working alongside Bill Larkin, Joe Farina and Everett Smith, The Genesis Group was formed and on November 11th , 2006, the idea became a reality when The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor was dedicated in New Windsor.

Family and friends were blessed to have Don in their lives for such a long time. He truly lived every one of his 101 years to the fullest. He will forever be remembered as a man of character, strong faith, caring and service to others and our nation.

Don is predeceased by his wife Bette and survived by his four children: Donna Fallander, Michael and Cheryl Hughes, Colonel (Ret) Richard and Karen Marchant, Colonel (Ret) Robert and Gina Hughes; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. - 1922-2024

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Fisher House www.fisherhouse.org

Visitation will be held at Brooks Funeral Home on Thursday, January 25 from 4 - 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church on Friday, January 26 at 10 AM.