John Hughes Obituary

Hughes, John
Apr. 10, 1943 - Feb. 10, 2016
John Hughes of University Park, Florida passed in peace on February 10, 2016 at Tampa General Hospital, lung transplant unit. He is survived by his devoted wife Linda, loving father of Stacey Szczepanski and Bradford Hughes and his wife Carrie, and proud grandfather of Alexa and Carter Hughes, Jenna and Laura Szczepanski.
Born on 4-10-43 at Llandigige Fach, a farm in southwest Wales in the County of Pembrokeshire to Essex Hughes and Mary Ann (Harries) Hughes. John received his bachelor's degree from Swansea University in Wales and came to this country in 1964 where he married Linda in 1969 and then completed his MBA at the University of Chicago.
John had a brilliant mind and never stopped learning as an avid reader. He became a successful business man as Chairman/CEO of Amcol International during his 35 years with the company while contributing many patents for the company.
After retiring to Florida, John continued with his passion for traveling by exceeding his bucket list goal of visiting 100 countries. We loved being entertained with his wonderful stories about his travels.
John was a very generous man who throughout his life gave a helping hand to those less fortunate.
It is the family wishes that there be no funeral. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 E. Ohio Street, Ste 304, Chicago, IL 60611.

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Published by Herald Tribune from Feb. 16 to Feb. 17, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for John Hughes

12 Entries

Jackie Manders

April 6, 2016

To the family of John:
I am so very sorry to hear of John's passing. I was fortunate to have known him while working at American Colloid / Amcol. Regardless of position, John always treated everyone with great respect and made you feel like part of a family.

John was such a great story teller of his travel adventures and funny as heck when sharing those. I have so many great memories of him, but one of the best is how he would always come to our area (International Dept.) to see what goodies (cakes/cookies) we had and then just spend time with us chatting about anything in general. He just had a unique quality that you rarely find.

I can imagine he's traveling the universe now.

Cathy Woessner

February 17, 2016

I will always remember his kindness and generosity, a good man.

Janet Mussler

February 17, 2016

John lived life, contributed to it, and shared his life experiences with all of us in Florida. He will truly be missed.

February 16, 2016

Linda, I'm so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a wonderful man with a perpetual smile on his face. I'll remember him fondly.
Nora Fichtner Fleck

Rob, Kevin,Clare, Maddie O'Brien

February 16, 2016

Stacey, Laura and Jenna,

Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your dad and grandpa. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Bill and Nana Simons

February 15, 2016

Linda and family....our deepest sympathy. We met you thru Peter and Lore and enjoyed your company when we got together. He was a gentle man and a gentleman. Our prayers your way

John Imber

February 15, 2016

My sincere condolences to the Hughes family. I first met John in the late 70s when retained to conduct the search that brought Ed Odom to then American Colloid. Throughout the following thirty-five years, we had many occasions to interact, and I truly enjoyed each. Wonderfully witty, inquisitive, supremely intelligent, always respectful of my participation. I am truly saddened to learn of John's passing, but suspect he is enjoying the opportunity to explore all the unknown challenges of spending eternity with the Lord. God Bless.

February 15, 2016

So sad to hear of John's passing. I was lucky to have worked with John in some way for 33 years at AMCOL. He was a great leader that took the company to places we were not able to imagine. He will be missed by many.
Jim Kerr 1981-

February 15, 2016

To the Family of John,
I just heard of John's passing this am. I just wanted you to know how much I respected John during my time at Amcol. I am sorry for your loss.
Scott Honeyman
1975-2000

AL BROEMM

February 15, 2016

I THOUGHT I SENT ONE IT MUST HAVE BEEN DELETED. I WORKED WITH JOHN FROM 1969-1984 AND WOULD HAVE LIKED TO CONTINUE BUT WAS LET GO AMONG MANY OTHERS. I RESPECTED JOHN AND WAS SORRY TO HEAR OF HIS ACCIDENT AFTER HE HAD FINALLY RECEIVED HIS LUNG TRANSPLANT. I AM ON OXYGEN 24 7 SO I COULD RELATE TO HIM BEFORE THE TRANSPLANT.

HE WAS HIS OWN MAN AND VERY, VERY SMART.

ALBERT BROEMM

February 15, 2016

I KNEW JOHN WHEN I WAS AT AMERICAN COLLOID FROM 1969 - 1984.I HAD NOT SEEN OR HEARD FROM HIM FOR SOME TIME UNTIL I LOCATED PAUL SHELTON. PAUL GAVE ME SOME INFO ON JOHN WITH HIS LUNG ISSUES. I EMAILED JOHN BEFORE AND AFTER HIS LUNG TRANSPLANT AND ALL WAS LOOKING GOOD. I HAVE LUNG PROBLEMS COPD AND I AM ON OXYGEN 24 7. MY SITUATION WAS MOSTLY CAUSED BY SMOKING.

I RESPECTED JOHN AND WILL NEVER FORGET HIM AS A LEADER.MY ONLY WISH WOULD HAVE BEEN TO HAVE STAYED LONGER AT COLLOID.

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