James E. Pugh Jr.

1923 - 2021

James E. Pugh Jr

James E. Pugh Jr was born 9-29-1923 in Black River Falls, Wisconsin and died peacefully on May 29, 2021, 97 years of age surrounded by friends and family. He was born to parents James E. Pugh Senior a WWI veteran and Lucille Hagen Pugh. He is preceded in death by his devoted wife Marian Edith Sue Pugh. He will be buried next to his wife Marian and his sister Nela Virgina Trent Pugh a WWII Naval veteran. He had a family history of veterans going back to the civil war with John R. Pugh.

He served in WWII enlisting in the army in 1943 and was discharged as a Sargent in 1946 in Japan.

He worked for the government all over the world from 1946 to 1956 when he returned to the United States and continued working for the government installing missile silos out west and finally settling in Brevard county working for NASA. Marian and James E. Pugh, Jr. had nearly 50 wonderful years together. He retired from NASA, she from her beauty salon, and they had opportunity to travel and see much of the world - six of the seven continents. They lived in Merritt Island and then built a home in Cocoa and lived there for 30+ years before moving to Cape Canaveral.

He is survived by his son James E. Hugh III and his wife Linda L. Lively, daughter Jeanne Marie Luddeni, stepson Michael Reeves, grandson Andy Reeves, and granddaughter Michelle Reeves, grandson James E. Hugh IV and Wife Dariana Hugh, granddaughter Christina Lynn Fleming and husband Ethan Fleming. Great Grandchildren, Alexis Noel Hugh, James E L Hugh V, Kiki -Ella Raine Hugh, Kylei Emma Marian Hugh, Lincoln James Hugh, Liam Henry Hugh, Ethan Fletcher Fleming, and Thea Quinn Fleming.

Papa Bear, as he was often called, truly loved life and was very open and sharing and will be missed by his family. You really knew where you stood with Papa Bear and he did not mince words. He raised his children to be self-sufficient, respect our country and their leaders. He is truly loved.

His funeral and service will be June 9, 2021 at Dignity Brevard Memorial Funeral Home at 3:00PM in Cocoa, Florida. Address 5475 US-1, Cocoa, FL 32927, 321-636-3720.

In Lieu of flowers please donate to any veterans organization.