Name: Celebration of Life for James Edward McHugh Jr.
Start: 2023-03-19T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-03-20T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Petaluma Community Center main hall, Lucchesi Park

James Edward McHugh Jr.
September 4, 1957 - February 18, 2023
James Edward McHugh, Jr. passed away February 18th, 2023, surrounded by his family's love. He was proudly married for 38 years to his college sweetheart, Kathleen McHugh (McClintock). Jim was the first born to James and Frances McHugh, Sr. (D) and was raised in Oakland, California with his three siblings, Gregory McHugh (D), Caroline Fields and Andrew (Karen) McHugh.
Jim graduated from Bishop O'Dowd High School where he was involved in many clubs, excelled in academics, and his involvement in sports was immense. Jim played each Baseball, Basketball (team captain three years) and football all four years. He graduated from Chico State, later earning his teaching credentials through Sonoma State. Jim devoted 36 years to teaching "everyone's favorite - math", with the Petaluma School District. Jim retired last June from Petaluma High School, where he was an incredible role model for not only his own children, but a large community of students that he believed in and helped spread his love of "numbers".
Jim had the strength of a dragon and kicked cancers behind for just over 14 years. He lived a very long and courageous life, never letting his fight interfere with teaching, being an amazing father and husband, travels or looking around each corner for new goals to strive for.
Jim enjoyed traveling to Maui, summers at his family cabin in Buck's Lake, and sharing this enjoyment with many friends. He loved watching his kids at every sports event he could attend. Spending time with two grandchildren especially brought smiles. He loved spending time in his backyard tiki bar with friends and family, listening to Jimmy Buffett. Jim had the gift of telling stories and was able to engage in any conversation being discussed.
Jim is survived by his wife Kathleen and their children, Danielle (Pono) Ordonez, Cameron McHugh, Sr., and Markie McHugh, along with two beautiful grandchildren, Kauamaikalani Ordonez and Cameron McHugh, Jr.
Please join our family for a Celebration of Life on Sunday, March 19th, 2023, at the Petaluma Community Center main hall, Lucchesi Park from 1-5pm. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Petaluma Education Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press Democrat on Mar. 5, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for James McHugh

Sponsored by Adobe Creek Funeral Home - Petaluma.

14 Entries

Mike Collins

April 2, 2025

I met Jim in our college frat at Berkeley. Jim had a great personality with terrific humility, friendliness, and an amazing smile. I am very sad to find this out. Because of Jim and only because of Jim our 1977 college fraternity intramural football team won every game we played with an overall record of 11-0. Because of Jim we won
the school intramural championship and the inter-fraternity championship. We were a real ragtag group and because of his knowledge of the game he just picked every team apart with his passing. Jim had a great appreciation of life and I consider him to be the finest guy I knew at Cal. I was a couple years ahead so graduated in the spring and we all moved on. I am happy to hear he had a family life and a wonderful career. I know he left a lot of family and friends behind who remain very sad and devastated over his early passing. Even though we don't know each other you can count me into that group. Besides on the football field I have many other memories of Jim and his smile lighting up a room and a young man (we all were) who loved to have fun and loved life. Jim, you are gone far too soon! You are missed. Your brother, Mike Collins

Elizabeth Burkart

November 9, 2023

I was so sorry to read of Jim’s passing in the Bishop O’Dowd Dragon publication. I was friends with Greg, but also remember Jim fondly. My condolences to the family. May he rest in peace.

James Bennett

October 30, 2023

Sending condolences to the family. One quick memory was from St Lawerence O'toole during an alter boy picnic. I remember we got challenged to a football game by another school and we pretty much ran over them. He seems to have kept that QB role his entire life. Sorry I missed out on that. RIP.

The Buchers and Families

Planted Trees

The Buchers and Families

Planted Trees

Debbie Gaona

March 3, 2023

I believe Jim was welcomed into heaven by his heavenly family and friends to a huge Jimmy Buffet party – of course he was! And in this I feel such joy. But I’m also so saddened to be without him here. My lifelong friend, whom I always looked up to and admired, a sunshine for all, of immense integrity.
My (our) deepest condolences to Kathy, Danielle and Pono and family, Cameron and family, and Markie. Our hearts ache for your loss. Our deep condolences too, to Caroline and Andy, and their families. There are few people who affect us so positively, who bring such joy, who include all, and who are so positive and optimistic, smart and funny, kind and relaxed as was Jim. His laughter was so easy and infectious! Always a smile. It’s such an honor to have known him a lifetime, to have been his friend. Yet, as much as Jim circled for everyone, his family was the center of his universe; we all knew - his hearts joy!
I feel incredibly blessed to have grown up with Jim. Childhood friends; college buds; lifelong. He was family. Jim was, and will remain in my heart always, a spectacular person and forever friend. He is, and always will be, deeply missed and fabulously remembered.
With sympathy, and beautiful memories,
Debbie (and Mike) Gaona

Ashley Amaral

Sent Flowers

Debi Richardson

March 1, 2023

Jim was an amazing teacher and a valuable colleague. His fight against cancer was inspirational. I only wish you had had more time to enjoy his retirement. It has been a blessing to know him.

Patrick & Ruth Smith

March 1, 2023

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Jennifer Eaton

March 1, 2023

Jim, you had a life well lived. I’m thankful for the chance to know you, learn from you, and to be your friend. Rest well.

Jennifer Masterson

February 25, 2023

We’re so sorry to hear that Jim passed. An amazing person who was always smiling. Jim will be missed by many! Our deepest sympathies, The Masterson family

Kathy Spongberg

February 25, 2023

We will miss our friend and neighbor. We all moved into the area as young couples and watched our families grow. We know you will fly high above us and keep watch