James Lee Hughes
Retired US Navy Master Chief Petty Officer (SS) James Lee Hughes of Osceola Mills, PA passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Port Charlotte, FL at the age of 86 due to cancer. Born December 17, 1939, in Philipsburg, PA he was the son of the late David Burkett Hughes and Mary Rebecca (Hebel) Hughes.
James grew up in Centre and graduated from Philipsburg-Osceola Area High School in 1957. He joined the US Navy in 1957 where he served
his country for 22 years as an Electrician Mate obtaining the highest enlisted rank of EMCM (Electrician’s Mate Master Chief). During his time in the military, he attended Tidewater Community College in Virginia and received his Associate in Science Degree in Business Administration in 1975. Upon his retirement from the US Navy in April of 1979, he took some time off to build a home before starting his next career at Penn State Office of Physical Plant. From 1981 to 2002 he worked at the power plant until health reasons forced him into retirement. In his retirement years he enjoyed going to Penn State games, going to Submarine reunions for six boats he served on and working on his farm, High Meadows, raising beef.
James was proceeded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Evelyn (Harper) Smith, and his brother, Carl David (Ann) Hughes, sister-in-law Donna (Hassinger) Hughes, and two nephews both named David Hughes.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 63 years, Joan Marie (Keller) Hughes whom he wed on September 30, 1962 in Philipsburg, PA; his children, Dana (Dennis Myers) and Duane (Hope); six grandchildren: Kristen Natalie (Jamie), Allison Myers (Justin Shive), Mikayla Hughes (Zach Wisor), Dennis Myers, Jr., Brianna Hughes (Brandon Ballard) & Samantha Hughes (Eric Anderson); five great-grandchildren: Ella Natalie, Carson Cook, Henry Natalie, Marie Rose Natalie and Colby Shive. He is also survived by his brother, Alfred Hughes of Lewistown as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 16th at 11:00 am at Centre United Methodist Church, 282 Six Mile Road, Osceola Mills officiated by Rev. Randy Hughes.
Military Honors will be accorded by the Osceola Mills Honor Guard.
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