James F. Hughes

James F. Hughes, Jr., 75, of Willowbrook Drive, Morganton, NC, died unexpectedly Saturday, January 5, 2008 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. Born in Yancey County, NC on September 27, 1932, he was the son of the late James F. Hughes, Sr. and Elizabeth Bennett Clapp. James served 12 years with the U.S. Air Force. He then worked in aerospace engineering for 20 years as a draftsman with various contractors at Kennedy Space Center. Mr. Hughes was of the Baptist faith.He is survived by his wife, Juanita "Nita" Parker Hughes of the home; sons, Richard Hughes of Melbourne, FL and Michael Hughes of Johnson City, TN; and one grandson, Richard Hughes.The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 12, 2008 at North Morganton United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to North Morganton United Methodist Church, 990 Sanford Drive, Morganton, NC 28655 or to First Baptist Church, P.O. Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.