Joshua Dane Hughes

Joshua Dane Hughes, 30, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 3, 2023, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Joshua was the son of Steven Wayne and Juanita Mercedes Hughes, who survive. He was born November 15, 1992, in Roanoke, Virginia and despite being born premature and weighing only 3 pounds, 3 ounces, he defied the odds and survived; even though the medical team had only given him a 5% chance of survival. This is his inspiring story.

Joshua had a passion for education, and he graduated from Western High School, where he served as the class Vice President during his junior year and went on to become the President and Salutatorian of his graduating class in 2011. In addition to his leadership roles, Joshua continued his involvement in high school tennis and was also a member of the NC Young Democrats. For his higher education, Josh attended UNC Chapel Hill, where he pursued a double major in Political Science and Religious Studies, with a minor in Philosophy. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a Master’s Degree in History from University College London (UCL). Josh further expanded his educational achievements by attending Kings College in London, England, where he obtained a second Master’s Degree in War Studies.

Joshua had several professional jobs after graduation from UNC-CH. First with the Catholic Archdiocese and then with the Cambridge Housing Authority both while living in Boston, MA. After earning his 2nd Master’s degrees in the UK, he returned to the USA. He applied and was selected as 1 the of 250 nationwide fellows for the Presidential Fellowship Federal Program. His first appointment was Acquisitions Program Manager for the Department of Defense at Space Force Command in Los Angeles, CA. He was also selected as the lead researcher for the Department of the Air Force on barriers to LGBT in the military service (he was extremely proud of this accomplishment and was looking forward to leading this research). Joshua had a deep passion for reading and constantly sought to expand his knowledge in various fields, both within the United States and internationally. He enjoyed writing about politics and was writing policy briefs for lobbyists; one of his writings was selected by a Senator and published. Joshua had just been offered his next job/appointment to work for the Joint Chief of Staff working on counter terrorism. While in the hospital he also received a phone call from the White House offering him a position analyzing policies and distributing them to the appropriate departments.

Joshua was known for his dedication to physical fitness and enjoyed spending time working out. He always traveled with his favorite pair of running shoes. Joshua discovered his passion for reading as a young boy. He started reading the Harry Potter books when he was very young. He quickly moved on to the Hobbit and to his all-time favorite book series The Lord of the Rings. Joshua loved all things J.R.R. Tolkien. As an adult, he was passionate about all things political. While living in the UK during the 2020 elections, he stayed up all night to follow the results. He loved to share his thoughts about world politics and although he was a private person, he cherished engaging in adult conversations on topics of interest.

Joshua grew up in Elon, NC and attended Peoples Memorial Church. His spirituality grew under his Pastors John Shields and Shannon Wolfe. In college, he chose to follow Catholicism and was confirmed in 2016. Wherever he lived around the world, he always found his church and small groups. His faith was very important to him.

Awaiting him in Heaven with open arms is his Grandmother Angelica Rubio, and his Grandparents Ralph and Trula Hughes. Besides Joshua’s parents who reside in Elon, he is survived by his Grandfather Tulio Rubio (Tacoma, WA). Other close surviving family members, include his Great Aunt and Godmother Martha "COCO" Navarrete (Vancouver, BC, Canada), his Uncle Edward Rubio (Tacoma, WA), his Uncle George Anderson (Regula) and cousins Sebastian & Simon (Calgary, ON, Canada), his Aunt Monica Blaustein (Henry) (Vancouver, BC Canada), his cousin Rodrigo Blaustein (Seattle, WA), his cousin Denise Blaustein (Shane) (Vancouver, BC, Canada) his Aunt Kelly McNulty Sabell (Martin) (Victoria, BC, Canada) his uncle Ron Hughes (Nancy) from Max Meadows, VA and his cousins Amy Hughes (Kevin), cousins Lindsey and Reed Hughes, and Brad Hughes, (Heather) cousins Greyson, Aubrey, Mallory, and Ella Hughes from Max Meadows, VA, and his Loving Partner of 5 years, Jonathon Blackwell (London, England, UK).

Josh will be remembered as a kind, loving, gentle soul, who was an intelligent, and driven individual. He accomplished his life goal to make it to Washington DC with his dream jobs at the Pentagon and White House. His smile was always present to share with others and was very contagious. His parents, who affectionately called him Joshy or Joshy-Pup, were incredibly proud of him and cherished the person he had become. We will miss him terribly.

Rest in Peace Son, we will see you there!!

A service to celebrate Josh’s life will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Elon Community Church by Rev. John Shields with the burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery.  The family will receive family and friends from 12:00 – 2:45 prior to the service at the church. 

Flowers are accepted and Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital

You may sign online condolences at www.lowefuneralhome.com