James McHugh

James Frank McHugh Oct. 15, 1925 - Oct. 20, 2010 Died peacefully at his home on October 20, 2010 after courageously battling a heart condition and lung cancer, and, as always with his loving wife Joyce at his side. A native San Franciscan, James, also known as Jim and Jimmy by those closest to him, attended St. Monica's grammar school and was a proud, loyal member of Sacred Heart High School's Class of 1943. After graduation, he was a sheet metal worker at Marin Ship Corp. in Sausalito. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in November 1943, where he served in Germany as a machine mechanic and military motor vehicle inspector, until he was discharged in 1946. After earning an Associate Degree from City College of San Francisco, he started his career as an electrician and joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 6. In 1953, Jim married the love of his life, Joyce (Veit) McHugh. In 1963 he began his 24 years of service for the City and County of San Francisco, including 12 years at San Francisco International Airport Maintenance Dept. He retired in 1987 after a sudden heart attack. Jim was involved in the parishes of Our Lady of Mercy for 7 years, and Holy Name of Jesus for 42 years, participating in the Men's Club, Boy Scouts, St. Vincent dePaul Society, and SIRS. His retirement included traveling with Joyce, as they enjoyed many trips in the U.S., Ireland, and several cruises with friends from Holy Name of Jesus Church. Jim and Joyce also enjoyed many years of golf together and with friends. Jim was a constant support to his children and grandchildren and enjoyed attending their grandchildren's sporting events, theater productions and Grandparents' Days. Jim and Joyce moved to and were warmly welcomed to Our Lady of Angels Parish, Burlingame in 2006. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Joyce. He was a wonderful and inspirational father to Tim McHugh (Cheryl), Helen Gmazel, and Monica Holland (Dan); adored Papa to Maddy McHugh, Grandpa to Steven and Willem Gmazel, and Grampy to Patrick, Audrey, Maggie and Danny Holland. Jim was preceded in death by his parents James Leo and Mary McHugh. He was a loving brother to Bill McHugh, deceased, and Virginia Bispo (Ed, deceased), loving brother-in law to Olga Veit, loving cousin to Sister Helen McHugh, RSCJ, Sister Marie McHugh, RSCJ, deceased, and Winifred Isetta (Andrew), both deceased. Jim is also survived by his treasured nieces, grand-nieces and grand-nephews as well as many cousins and friends. Friends and family may visit Thursday from 5-9pm and are invited to attend the Vigil Service at 7pm at DUGGAN'S SERRA MORTUARY 500 Westlake Avenue Daly City. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 11am at Holy Name of Jesus Church (39th Ave at Lawton St., SF). Reception followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Vincent dePaul Society, Pathways Hospice, or your favorite charity.