SSG James Hughes, United States Army, Ret.

 

James Edward Hughes was born November 11, 1941 in Norfolk, Virginia and passed away recently, at the age of 71, in Marlin, Texas.

James, also known as "Teddy Bear Diamond Jim", attended public schools in Norfolk, Virginia and obtained his high school diploma from the Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake,Washington.




James proudly served his country in the United States Army for more than 22 years, which included two tours in Korea and three tours in Vietnam.  After retirement he worked in various jobs before becoming ill.




On January 4, 2013, a funeral service was held at the Greater Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Marlin, Texas.   Present to honor this veteran were the Patriot Guard Riders of Central Texas, who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the family and friends.




After the service, the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas for interment service with full military honors.



The roadway of the committal shelter was lined with fifty American flags blowing in the brisk Texas wind.

After the flag draped coffin was moved from the coach to the shelter, by the Army Honor Detail, the Riders formed a line of flags along the entrance to the shelter during the rendering of the military honors.



The Army detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country, followed by the playing of taps by the Army bugler.



The Honor Detail folded the American flag that covered the coffin into a triangle and passed it to a Non-Commissioned Officer.  He presented it to James' dear daughter, Eleece, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for James' honorable and faithful service.



SSG James Hughes was then laid to rest on the sloping hill side, as the American flag flew at half-staff in his honor at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are his dearly beloved wife, Ruby, his daughter, seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and numerous other dear family, friends and "Buddies to the end."

 










"To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the Heaven.  A time to be born, a time to die:  a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted..."

Ecclesiastes 3:12

With thanks to Robertson Funeral Home for biographical information and photograph.