Obituary of J. Wilson Hughes

J. Wilson Hughes, of Aura, on Friday, July 30, 2010. He was 90, blessed with a long, robust life, and left this world after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family. Intensely honest, loyal, honorable and loving, his character is a beacon for family and friends. He was the greatest man his children will ever know. A 1937 graduate of Glassboro High School, Wilson was a very involved lifelong servant of family, industry and community. His entire family will continue to benefit from his love. He was a lifelong farmer, always recognized for producing the finest quality in every product he grew, especially peaches. Wilson was also a tireless advocate for improving his industry, in order to better provide for his family. He served agriculture in many varied capacities, including: The Gloucester County Board of Agriculture, Glassboro Service Association, NJ Farm Bureau, NJ Asparagus, Peach and Apple Councils, NJ Horticultural Society, Farm Credit System, NJ Governor's Rural Advisory Council and Governor's Task Force on Agricultural Funding. Wilson served Elk Township and beyond for 65 straight years, starting with joining the Aura Fire Company at age 14! He served on three Boards of Education; Elk Township, Gloucester County Vo-Tech, and was a proud founder of Delsea Regional High School. He also served Elk Township as a councilman, deputy mayor, public safety director, finance and roads committees, on the planning and zoning boards and Municipal Utilities Authority, from which he retired at the age of 79. He also served on the Elmer Community Hospital board of directors. Wilson seldom sought the leadership roles in which he served in most of these organizations, but was appointed by his peers. In his later years, Wilson enjoyed casino games, especially roulette. He loved family holidays, dinners and parties, where he would enjoy and join in his large family's fun. A great storyteller, he would frequently regale guests with childhood and farm life stories. Wilson also loved to play cards, always ready for a bumper game at any opportunity. Like most men enjoy sports, he followed current events and politics with a passion, always ready to share his analysis with others. He was predeceased by his devoted wife of nearly 61 years, Mildred Shaw Hughes and his daughter, Charlotte Ann. He is survived by his three children: J. (Jay) Wilson, Jr. (Jonny), Richard B. (Betty), both of Aura, and Susan (Scott) Hansen, of Glassboro. He is also survived by his siblings: Grace (Edward) Redmond, of Pitman and Ralph Jr., (Fran), of Elmer. He was predeceased by his sisters, Doris Sahms and Beatrice Nicholson, and brother, Earl F., all of Aura. He was also predeceased by two separate companions, Dorothy Morlachetta, of Woodbury, and Irene Irvin, of Pitman. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Kathryn Titus, J. Wilson, III, Matthew, Caitlin, Brian and Kelly Hughes, Jason Hansen, and five great grandchildren: Alexander Titus, Caleigh and Megan Hughes, Isabella and William Hansen. He is also survived by nine nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the J. Wilson Hughes Memorial Fund, Aura Volunteer Fire Company, 909 Aura Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028 or the J. Wilson Hughes Memorial Fund, South Jersey Healthcare Foundation, 2950 College Drive, Suite 1F, Vineland, NJ, 08360, to be used for the needs of the Emergency Department at SJH Elmer Hospital. Funeral Mass Saturday, August 7, at 11:00 AM, St. Bridget's, Glassboro. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Friday, August 6, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Saturday, August 7, 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, with a eulogy at 10:00 AM at the Kelley Funeral Home, 125 Pitman Ave., Pitman, NJ. Interment will be at Manahath Cemetery, Glassboro. www.kelleyfhpitman.com