Obituary of James A. Hughes, ESQ.

JAMES A. HUGHES, ESQ.

James A. Hughes, Esq. of Stuart, Florida, formerly of Clinton, New York passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025, at the age of 92.

He was born April 18, 1932, to James A. and Pauline Alsheimer Hughes in Utica, New York. He was the third child in the family having two older sisters, Carol Hughes and Joan Hughes McCraith; both of whom predeceased Jim. After graduation from Utica Free Academy, Jim earned his degree from Georgetown University and a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown Law School in Washington, D.C.

After graduation Jim served 2 years in the United States Air Force JAG and 7 years in the USAF Reserve.  After his 2 years Active duty, Jim joined the law firm of Steates and Remmel for two years and then moved to the firm of Bartle Gorman. In 1962, Jim opened his own solo practice with offices on Genesee Street in Utica and in Clinton. He practiced civil and family law; was a part-time village judge in Clinton for 8 years and was appointed to the Family Court in Oneida and Herkimer Counties for ten years until his retirement in 1996. One of Jim’s political high points was from 1960 when, as a candidate for Family Court Judge, he was introduced to the crowd at a Democratic rally at the Utica Memorial Auditorium by presidential candidate John F. Kennedy.

Jim married Stephanie O’Hara in July of 1956. They made their home on Utica Street in Clinton where they raised six children: James Aloysius (Deborah Moore) Hughes; J. Barnaby (Monica Hinkson) Hughes; Adam Benedict Hughes; Benjamin O’Hara (Ann Higham) Hughes; Jennifer Pauline Hughes; and Sarah Catherine (Todd) Saunders. Sadly, Stephanie predeceased Jim in 1994 and Adam predeceased him in 2005. Jim leaves 12 grandchildren: Margaret, James and John Hughes; Tyler and Erica Hughes; Riley, Joseph and Samuel Hughes; and Brian, Ali, Owen and Jack Saunders.  

James was a charter member and served on the board of directors of the Skenandoa Club. He was an avid golfer and once carded an eighteen-hole score of 76 at his home course. (Most people reading this know that fact!) He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, a trustee of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church and a life member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved being able to be outside golfing, fishing or downhill skiing with family and friends.

 In 1999, Jim married Marilyn Burns Newman and moved to Hutchinson Island in Stuart, Florida. He was active in that community, making many cherished friends. He was a proudly outspoken member of the Stuart Coffee Club. He became a part of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and volunteered at Martin Memorial Hospital and St. Vincent DePaul Ministry. Jim and Marilyn shared many adventures in their retirement years. He often told of exotic travels, famous landmarks they visited and their hot-air balloon flight over the Serengeti.  Marilyn passed away in June of 2017.

James will be laid to rest during a family graveside service at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Clinton, New York, in the springtime.   

Local arrangements entrusted to the R. P. Heintz Funeral Service, Inc., 10 E. Park Row, Clinton, NY 13323.

To leave a condolence online, go to: rpheintzfsi.com