John Joseph Domenic Hughes

1958 - 2020

John Joseph Domenic Hughes

John Hughes passed away peacefully surrounded by love at his home on November 5th, 2020 after a brief courageous battle with cancer. John was born in Indianapolis on February 15th, 1958 to Donald James Hughes and Betty (Crotty) Hughes. He attended St. Luke's Catholic School, Northview Middle School, and North Central High School.

John was a graphic designer and printer by trade, and during the course of his long career he started and ran a successful printing company, Press 96. He was able to operate many types of presses, as well as repair them. John also worked for Woodfield Printing for many years. In his retirement he worked for Indianapolis Rack & Axle.

John was extremely creative and gifted from an early age, and continued coming up with new ideas of things to build, or inventions for the rest of his life. The Euchre Board and Rent a Tiki Bar being a couple favorites.

John lived on the beautiful White River for 36 years and was a member of the White River Yacht Club.

He was loved deeply by his family and many friends, and had several nicknames; Johnny, Hugo, Johnny Velcro, Tiki John, and Captain John. John loved to bring people together for a good time and was the consummate entertainer. He planned and threw epic parties over the course of his life on the river that countless have attended. The legendary Reggae Race Party from the early years when his original Tiki Bar was located on land, and the later to come annual Island Party has become a tradition for river family and friends every year in August. Accessible by boat only has this one a challenge to attend for some. John designed a floating tiki bar using his ingenuity and creative skills and the Tiki Barge was born. It became an icon on the river. Hundreds of parties and special occasions were held on the Tiki Barge. It is a great source of many awesome memories for many people over the years. The tradition of Tiki Cruises continued until John was unable to captain his boat due to his illness.

John was known and loved by many. He was charming, personable, funny, outspoken, forthright and honest, sometimes maybe too honest. You never had to guess where you stood with him.

The void his passing has created has left many saddened and in disbelief. He will be sorely missed by his family and closest friends and those who had the honor of knowing him or spending time with him. John helped create special times and memories and touched so many lives in so many ways. Everyone has a favorite Johnny memory or story. Raise a glass and tell one of those in his honor. Here's to a loved wonderful soul and a life well lived.

John was preceded in death by his parents Don and Betty Hughes, and his daughter Taylor Nicole King.

John is survived by his sisters; Catherine Hughes Domont, Jane Hughes Clark (Doug), Cindy Hughes, brother; Jim Hughes, nieces; Allee,(Tyler) Megan,(Ross) Betsy, nephews; Zephaniah (Jen), Jordan, Perry, (Lauren), Bryce, (Brie) and several great nieces and nephews, his beloved dog; Callie, kindred soul and caregiver; Alice Sweet (Mike), many dear life long friends, river family at The Tiki Compound, friends at the WRYC, many patrons of the Tiki Barge, and special friends in the ABC.

A Celebration of John's Life is planned for June of 2021 at the White River Yacht Club. (Specific date to be later announced providing virus is under control by that time)

Memorial contributions can be made in John's honor to the White River Yacht Club Foundation 1400 E. 74th St. Indpls IN 46240.

Special thanks to Dr. Chuck Hasbrook, Dr. Jim Dugan, John's oncology team; Dr. Leagre, Dr. Harwood and all the caring staff at Hemotolgy-Oncology of Indiana, and his wonderful nurse Lydia from Transistions Hospice. Fountain Square Cremation and Funeral Services are entrusted with arrangements where you may leave a memory.