James Horace Upham Hughes, VMD

Jim Hughes, 96 years old, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025.

Born in 1929, he attended Tower Hill school, and graduated from St Andrews School in Middletown, DE. He studied at the University of Delaware and graduated from the University of Wisconsin, where he met the love of his life, Peggy Thompson. After operating the family's large dairy farm in Delaware for five years, he pursued his passion for animal care by enrolling at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, where he earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

He practiced veterinary medicine in Kennett Square, PA and Hockessin, DE until his retirement in 1986. Known as a kind and practical 'country vet', he was deeply committed to offering care at a reasonable cost and was a strong advocate for humane end of life treatment for animals. He was a past president and member of the Delaware Veterinary Medical Association. He also was a member of the Delaware Nature Education Society, the Wilmington Club, and the Wilmington Country Club.

In retirement, he embraced the sport of six-wicket croquet, becoming a national champion in both singles (1996) and doubles (1993). He was a member of the Delaware Croquet Club, The Croquet Club at PGA National, and the Palm Beach Croquet Club. His passion for the game led him to national leadership roles with the United States Croquet Association (USCA), where he served as Chairman of the Rules Committee, a National Referee, Vice President of the Mid-Atlantic Region, and a member of the Management Committee.  He played a key role in developing the USCA Handicap system. He was inducted into the USCA Hall of Fame in 1998.

Jim and his wife Peggy raised their family on their farm on Old Kennett Road, where they lived for over 40 years. The farm was not only a home, but a gathering place filled with animals, laughter, and warm hospitality. It became a beloved backdrop for countless holidays, long summer afternoons, and enduring friendships.

Above all, his greatest joy was his family. He will be remembered as a wonderful patriarch known for his quick wit and big heart. As a 7-year-old child, he was banned for life from the Wilmington Flower Market for crowd harassment with a squirt gun - an incident he often referenced with his grandchildren, apologizing for not being able to take them himself.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 71 years, Margaret (Peggy); his son, James H. Hughes; his parents, James H Hughes, Jr and Caroline Upham Hughes; and his sisters, Amy H. Blitzer and Mary H. Preyer.

He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth H. Reisch, and Margaret H. Kelly (Bill); his daughter-in-law Gayle G. Hughes; six grandchildren - Emily R. Foster (Garrison), James H. Reisch (Kim), Margaret K. Hayward (George), William B. Kelly IV,  Lucie E. Hughes, and Sarah U. Hughes; eight great-grandchildren; his brother Thomas G. Hughes; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Heather, Jessica, Tatiana, and the entire staff of Stonegates Healthcare for the exceptional care they provided to both of our parents.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Wawbeek. The property is where Jim spent many of his childhood summers before his Mother and Aunt donated it to Easterseals. Donations can be made: 1) Check payable to Easterseals Wisconsin. Write "JUH - Wawbeek" on the memo line. Mail to Easterseals Wisconsin, 1468 N. Highpoint Rd, Suite 202, Middleton, WI 53562.  2) Online at: