Mr. James Leon “Jim” Hughes, age 70, a resident of Crisp Landing Road, Chocowinity, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, at Pitt County Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday in the chapel of Hillside Funeral Service, officiated by Pastor Annie Norman. Special music will be provided by Bob Daw. The family will receive friends following the service.

Jim was born in Houston, Texas, on Oct. 20, 1941, to Hoy Faulkner Hughes and Mary Stanwood Hughes. He was married to the former Janet Carol Kornegay, his wife of 39 years. Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served his country in Vietnam. He retired with 26 years of distinguished service. Jim was a work-a-holic who had a knack for fixing things. He loved fishing, boating and spending time with his family. After retiring he followed his love of fishing and managed the Fishing Camp Cottages in Blounts Creek for 13 years.

In addition to his wife Carol he is survived by his three children, Jeremy, Janay and Jamie; his three grandchildren, Dori, Frankie and Miles; his great-grandson Kyler, and his two brothers, Don and Billy Hughes of Alabama.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made in honor of James Leon “Jim” Hughes to, The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.hillsidefuneralservice.com.

Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations, 4500 U.S. Highway 264 E., Washington, NC (252) 975-4500, has been given the honor of being entrusted with serving the Hughes family.