James Hughes

James “Leonard” Hughes, 61, of Vale Summit, died at home on Tuesday, March 22, after several years of declining health. Born May 11, 1954, he grew up on Big Lane in Midland, attended St. Joseph’s School until the eighth grade, and graduated from Valley High School in 1972. He attended Salisbury State College and Allegany Community College. Leonard worked in construction and could build anything, but was especially talented at masonry. He loved Pompey and Midland, and never met a dog that wasn’t instantly his friend, including his former faithful companions, Fido, Lily, Mabel and Larry. He was a member of St. Joseph Church and the Midland Firemen’s Auxiliary.
Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Helen (Cain) and Francis Hughes. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Susan (Evans) Hughes, whom he married at St. Joseph Church on April 19, 1980, and the two people he was most proud of in his life, his sons, John Leonard Hughes, and Staff Sergeant Michael James Hughes and fiancé Natacha Monteiro. Michael is currently serving with the U.S. Air Force in Lakenheath, England. Also surviving are his brothers Joe and wife Val of Kensington and Jack and wife Peggy of LaVale; nephews Todd and Kris Hughes, Uncle William Hughes and wife Marguerite of Frostburg, Aunt Mary Rita Leake of Florida, several cousins, a special cousin, Pat Brailer of Frostburg, his beloved dog, Ted, and many friends.
Family and friends will be received at the Wilhelm-Eakin Funeral Home, P.A., Lonaconing, from 6-9 pm on Monday, March 28. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Church, Midland on Tuesday, March 29, at 11:00 am with Father Ed Hendricks presiding. Inurnment will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Moscow Mills.
Donations in memory of Leonard may be made to the Sodality of Divine Mercy Parish at 44 East Main Street, Frostburg, MD 21532 or the Midland Fire Hall at 14823 Broadway Street SW, Frostburg, MD 21532.