James Hurd Hughes, 72, died Monday, Aug. 12. He died as a result of injuries sustained while playing in the surf two days earlier. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by family.
Jay was extremely well-educated; intellectually curious; well-read; and one of the kindest, most caring people with a delightfully dry sense of humor. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, uncle, brother, counselor, and teacher, and a role model for many. He loved animals with a particular affinity for Irish setters. Jay was a consummate outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, camping, and biking. He especially loved water sports like windsurfing and whitewater kayaking and shared his knowledge and enthusiasm generously with those around him.
In addition to his passion for the outdoors, he was a championship croquet player, competing in tournaments throughout the United States. His approach to croquet was consistent with his approach to life, he was not just a player; he was an avid student and instructor of the game, dedicating many hours to practice as well as to the study and implementation of complex strategy both on and off the court.
Jay taught social studies and history and coached track and cross-country at The Tatnall School in Wilmington, and more recently at the Layton School in Centreville, where he was a counselor, teacher, and mentor to many before retiring in 2021. He was a graduate of The Tatnall School; the Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.; and the University of Delaware, where he received his master’s degree in counseling.
He is survived by his wife, Gayle G. Hughes, his daughters, Lucie Hughes and Sarah Hughes; his father James H.U. Hughes, his sisters Beth Reisch and Marnie (Bill) Kelly, and numerous nieces and nephews and their children. He was predeceased by his mother, Margaret T. Hughes.
A celebration of Jay’s life for family and friends will be held at Greenville County Club, 201 Owls Nest Road, Wilmington, DE 19807on Nov. 24, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to either of the causes below.
- Camp Wawbeek is the longest-running Easter Seals camp in the nation. The property on which the camp is located was donated to Easter Seals by his grandmother and his great-aunt. Two ways to donate are delineated below:
** Check payable to Easter Seals Wisconsin. Write "Jay Hughes-Wawbeek" on the memo line. Mail to Easter Seals Wisconsin, 8001 Excelsior Dr, Suite 200, Madison, Wisc. 53717 Online at www.eastersealswisconsin.com (Find the donate button. After the option of how to give and how much, select Camp, then write in “in memory of James H. Hughes”)
**The Croquet Foundation of America., 700 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406. The Croquet Foundation's mission is to develop and promote the amateur sport of croquet in America.
To view his online tribute and to leave a memory for his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com
Arrangements by the Kuzo Funeral Home, Kennett Square.
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