JAMES P. HUGHES Sr.

James P. Hughes Sr. of Elburn James P. Hughes Sr., 91, real estate developer and builder, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012, at his longtime residence. Mr. Hughes was the definition of a family man, from those within his immediate family to those that he employed, as well as those with whom he conducted business. Deeply committed to trust and renowned for his business acumen, he was staunchly supportive of those who surrounded him. Contracts and business deals could be done with just a handshake and a pat on the back, and many large subdivisions were born from just that trust. Born June 25, 1921, in Michigan City, IN, a son of Harry and Harriet (nee Keyes) Hughes, James P. Hughes Sr. was raised in the Beverly neighborhood in Chicago. His earliest ambition was to be a farmer but after his graduation from Spring Hill College in Alabama, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1942, and served his country as a sergeant until 1946 with the 17th and 82nd Airborne Divisions. Mr. Hughes then entered DePaul University Law School and graduated with his Juris Doctor degree in 1948. After law school, he began a career as a practicing attorney and later began work as a builder/ developer in Chicago, IL until 1961, where he formed Wiseman Construction Company with Jerry A. Wiseman. Mr. Hughes married the late attorney, Dorothy T. Hughes (nee Murray) in 1951, and began raising his family in Oak Lawn. In 1964, the family moved to his much-loved 800 plus acre farm, Cloonlara in Elburn IL, where the family grew corn, wheat and soybeans, as well as raised livestock. Both Dorothy and James Hughes recognized that fresh air, hard work, and nature were the best ingredients in shaping character and understanding life. That traditional family philosophy continued in business when in 1985 Mr. Hughes purchased the remaining shares of the Wiseman-Hughes Company. Mr. Hughes retained the "Wiseman" name even after Mr. Wiseman's death as an honor to his long friendship and partnership during their 24-year business relationship. James P. Hughes is responsible for building over 25 percent of the housing stock in Wheaton, IL. Mr. Hughes was a visionary in real estate and saw the opportunities to create housing that was affordable and quality driven. He began his construction success in Hickory Hills and through 1990, he developed 1,515 acres in the southwest and west suburbs for 3,450 homes, 921 townhomes, 588 condominiums, 720 rental apartments, two shopping centers and an office building. In the 1990s, Mr. Hughes became one of the top five homebuilders in the Chicago Area with production of 500 units a year. Mr. Hughes enjoyed traveling with his wife and family, with more than 25 trips to Europe. He enjoyed cooking, often preparing family holiday meals, and professional sports; White Sox games could be heard on his radio in his office during a day game. He was devoted to his favorite charities, Marmion Academy and Rosary High School in Aurora, and Missionary Vehicles Association (MIVA) in Washington, of which he was a past chairman. A dedicated supporter to the Republican Party, Mr. Hughes, has met with former presidents, governors, and representatives throughout his career. He is survived by his sons, James P. (Jayne) Hughes Jr. of Naperville, Sean (Janet) Hughes of Maple Park and Michael (Patrice) Hughes of North Aurora; daughters, Maureen McKanna of Batavia and Sheila (Robert) Fitzsimmons of Geneva; grandchildren, James and Christopher Hughes, Nolan, Maggie and Kate McKanna, Michael Jr. and Lucas Hughes, Robert, Matthew, Christian and Tess Fitzsimmons, and Meaghan and Erin Hughes; his sister, Jean Fitzmaurice (Hughes); and many nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his loving wife, Dorothy (nee Murray), who passed away on Jan. 3, 2011; his parents; brother, Harry Hughes; and sisters, Georgiana Hickey (Hughes), Eleanor Hughes, Lorraine Kilduff (Hughes) and Patricia McCafferty (Hughes). A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, Nov. 30, at 10 a.m. at the Marmion Abbey Church, 850 Butterfield Road, Aurora, with the Abbot John Brahill, O.S.B. and Father Charles Reichenbacher O.S.B., celebrants. Burial will follow at the Marmion Abbey Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, Nov. 29, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State St. (Route 38), Geneva, and at the church on Friday, from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral Mass. Memorials to Marmion Abbey, 1000 Butterfield Road, Aurora, IL 60502 or Rosary High School, 901 N. Edgelawn Drive, Aurora, IL 60506, would be appreciated. For information, 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.