Jack Roger Hughes, 95, of Portsmouth, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at his home. He was born May 15, 1928, in Portsmouth, a son of the late Walter D. & Doris A. DuPuy Hughes.
Jack lived a very accomplished life as a graduate of PHS, Class of 1946, later earning a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University. He was a World War II era Marine Corps veteran, having earned the World War II Victory Medal. Jack was also a member of the James Dickey American Legion Post 23, a 32nd-Degree Mason of the Aurora Masonic Lodge, a member of the former Franklin Avenue United Methodist Church, and a member of the Cornerstone United Methodist Church. He worked at the Portsmouth Daily Times and Goodyear Atomic Corporation, and he retired from Martin-Marietta Corporation as an environmental safety and health staff specialist in 1991.
Jack loved his community and was a highly active member throughout his life. He volunteered with various organizations such as the American Red Cross, Operation Christmas Child, and the River Days committee. He volunteered as a Safety, Swimming, and First Aid Instructor and Scioto County Special Deputy. Jack founded the Scioto County Sheriff’s Underwater Search and Recovery Team in the late 1960s and served as the commander for over 40 years. He received many community and leadership awards, most notably the “Points of Light” by President George H.W. Bush, the Ohio Governor’s Award for Contributions to Water Safety by Governor Celeste, the Goodyear Spirit Award, and the WSAZ Hometown Hero Award.
Jack always enjoyed dabbling in the arts and became an avid painter in later life. He went to many shows, winning numerous awards for his artwork. He enjoyed sharing his paintings with family and friends. Jack also never lost his passion for water activities such as scuba diving, boating, and swimming.
Jack was a very loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He married his wife of 56 years, Joyce Marie Hollon Hughes, on August 18, 1950, in Portsmouth. She preceded Jack in death on April 25, 2007.
He is survived by four children, Jan Hughes, Lyn (Butch) Stall, all of Portsmouth, Jack (Diane) Hughes Jr. of Middletown, and Teresa Skaggs of Minford; his ten grandchildren, Kelley Linn Alloway, Andrew Linn, Greg Stall, Cassie Stall Dominique, Abigail Hughes Logan, Jacob Hughes, Elizabeth Hughes Jones, Jared Hughes, Sam Skaggs, and Macy Skaggs; ten great-grandchildren; as well as nieces and their families.
Jack was also preceded in death by two daughters, Carol and Jacqueline Hughes; his brother, Walter Dee Hughes; and a niece.
Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Monday at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Pastor Joe Bruch officiating and interment in Memorial Burial Park. The James Dickey Post American Legion will conduct Military Graveside Honors.
The family will receive friends at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home Sunday from 2 to 4 P.M. and one hour prior to services Monday.
Special thanks are extended by Jack’s family to Tammy Wolfe and Roxanne Dunn of Remain at Home Workers Care, and to SOMC Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jack’s memory may be made to SOMC Hospice, 2201-25th St., Portsmouth, OH 45662, and Sierra’s Haven for New & Used Pets, 80 Easter Dr., Portsmouth, OH 45662.
In honor of Mr. Hughes’ service to our country, the Marine Corps flag will fly at the funeral home.