"Heather,Paul, and Amy I am sorry for your lose. I hope that your tears may cease at the thought of Jude's spirit, light, and fond memories. He was a good man, and a great father to more then just his children. Bless you."
Jude Michael Hughes was born on January 7, 1945 in Imogene, Iowa, the son of Leo and Lucille (Regan) Hughes. Jude entered into eternal rest on Monday, August 17, 2009 at his home in Shenandoah, Iowa.
Jude was raised in the Imogene area and graduated from Farragut Community School. On October 8, 1965 he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country during the Vietnam War until October 7, 1971.
Jude was employed by John Gowing Plumbing in Shenandoah. He enjoyed attending early morning mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah. Jude was a kind-hearted man who loved to help others and make people laugh. Some of his interests included spending time with his family, cooking for family and friends, and fishing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son in infancy Billy Hughes, a stillborn daughter Barbara Hughes, brothers William "Billy" Hughes and Johnny Hughes and sister Mary Ditmars.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Paul Hughes, Amy Isaacson, Heather Laughlin and husband Jerry and Amy Parker and family; grandsons Ian Isaacson, Owen Laughlin, and Ethan Laughlin; Deb Alexander; brother Joe Hughes and wife Jacque; sister Irene Maca; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.
"Heather,Paul, and Amy I am sorry for your lose. I hope that your tears may cease at the thought of Jude's spirit, light, and fond memories. He was a good man, and a great father to more then just his children. Bless you."
"To the family Of Jude, We send our deepest sympathy,our thoughts and prayers go out to you it is a hard time. If you need any thing let us know. Thinking of You, Brenda Rod, Heather A.J. and Enna Riley"
"Our world will be a darker place without Jude. We spent many enjoyable times visiting with him when passing thru Imogene. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Bob & Kathy (Big O & Maggie) Clarinda/Apache Junction, Az."
"Jude was a very special person to our whole family he had this huge heart that would do anything for you. Tom and Jude would call each other and tell jokes it made my heart sing to see and hear them both laugh. He will be greatly missed by all. Tom & Rozanne Hughes & Family"
"Amy, Heather, Paul & families, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sure you all know how great your dad was and how we would have done anything for anyone. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Todd & Brandi (Johnson) Perdew & family"
"To the Family of Jude, Our sincere and most heartfelt condolences go out to you. Jude was a true friend, always greeted you with a smile, regardless of what might be going on. Jude will be missed very much! Robert and Robin (Anderson) Lynn Crane, Casa, Chealsee and Clair"
"The Isaacson family grieves dearly for the loss of Jude. Our heartā??s and prayers go out to his children Heather, Paul, and step daughter Amy. Jude always stuck by his children through thick and thin, wrong or right and was always there at a momentā??s notice whether it was a son in law trying to figure out a fuse box, frozen pipe, furnace or new construction projects his daughters enticed them to do, a daughter attempting a plumbing or electrical project on their own that went a rye or a mouse in the house, Jude was always there. Jude knew how to keep the family around for the holidays by making the most incredible meals that we all looked forward to days in advance even if we all had to wear shorts and a t-shirt in winter because the temperature was around 100 degrees in the house. Jude opened his house, love and friendship to my children Chelsea and Brandon as well during their teenage years much the same as he did with Amy years before. For Jude you didnā??t have to be his to be considered family. These past few months have been hard on all of us but letā??s never forget all of the wonderful times Jude brought into our lives for there were so many. Jude always had a saying that he believed dearly and I often argued with him on but it does have meaning. Jude said he believed everyone had a time slotted for them to die and there was nothing you could do about it. He never believed it had to do with lifestyle or anything else. To Jude you already had a time and date picked out in a predestined manner. Judeā??s time had come on a Sunday which is ironic for this is the day he so loved more than any other and would of picked himself if he could have. May his children always remember what a proud father he was of each of them and how he would stand up to anyone for their cause whether they were right or wrong because after all they were all he lived for and always wanted the best for them. Live well, be happy, do right for this is what Jude wanted for you always in everyway. Divorce may have divided us but I will always consider you all a special part of my life. God Bless you all to heal your pain during this great time of loss. Chris Isaacson and the whole Isaacson Family "
"Dear Johnnie, Joe, and Irene, I am sick with sadness about Jude's death. Know that I am thinking of you. "
"JUDE WAS A GREAT FRIEND AND A GREAT MAN. WE WILL ALL MISS HIM SO MUCH AND MAY GOD BE WITH HIM.TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIEND's MY PRAY'S ARE WITH YOU. JUDE'S FRIEND BILL CLARK"
"Jude was a friend,relative & a good guy. He helped my sister, Mary Ellen with plumbing & things that needed to be done around her home.I don't remember her saying that he had charged her anything for his service. Jude loved to help others. Ron& Ruth Hughes West Des Moines,Iowa"
"Jude was a good friend to the Meyerholtz family for many years. More than a trusted plumber, we enjoyed the company of Jude each time he visited. Our condolences from myself on behalf of the Meyerholtz's to Jude Hughes's family. "
"Deb, Amy, Heather, and Paul - We want you to know we are thinking of you all. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. We are here if you need us and would be glad to help in any way we can. The Morelock's"
"Amy & Heather, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I just talked to him Saturday. He was a wonderful person and he loved you girls more than anything. I will miss him dearly as he was my best friend and I cared about him very much. I am still in a state of shock as I am sure you are too. If there is anything you need, please feel free to contact me. Love always, Sandi"
"To the Hughes Family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your family member. I remember Jude from years back and the support he gave me when I was doing some life changes for myself. He will be missed. My prayers are with the Hughes Family."
"I am so sorry to hear of Jude's passing. He will be remembered by so many. My prayers are with all of you."
"This is a great loss for everyone. Jude was not only a cousin, but he was a good friend. He did so much for my Mom!! I feel blessed to have known Jude! Please find comfort in the fact that he was loved by all! "
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Jude was a very caring and thoughtful person! Chris, Cathy and Family"
"Just wanted all of your to know that I am thinking and praying for your whole family. Always remember that god will help you grieve and also help you remember those great memories! I am always here if you need anything! Judy "
"To Heather and Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Cherish the memories that you've made with your dad and they will get you through the sadness. If we can do anything for you, please let us know. Jay, Spencer, Ali & Ky"
"Amy,Heather and Paul, I am truly sorry and saddened to hear about the passing of your Dad. He will truly be missed. Growing up he was like a second father to me. I knew that he would do anything for us kids and was just fun to hang out with. If you need anything please call. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless all of you! I will miss you Jude. "
"I am sorry for your loss. May you always remember the happy times and know that he is not really gone but will remain forever in your hearts."
"Dear Amy,Heather and Paul, We are deeply saddened by the unexpected death of Jude your dad, our uncle and friend.Bill and I have so many great memories of him and will always cherish them. He was the type of person who would do anything for you. He loved you kids and his grand kids and were proud of you. We had so many conversations about you kids and you could always see his pride and love for you because he always smiled when he talked about you. He will truly be missed."
"I want to say that I am so glad and honored that I got to know Jude. He was such a good guy and loved his kids as much and as hard as any person could possibly love. He showed his love in his cooking, not only for his kids, but for the people he loved, and man could he cook! He helped me out at the "Emerald Isle" so much over the "Saint Patrick Day's" celebrations by cooking 150 lbs of corn beef,cabage, and his famous Irish Potatoes...it was fabulous!!! He always had good advice and such a sense of humor!!! He always, always, always made me laugh. I miss you Jude, I thank you for being my friend, and I will always remember you...Karen McClelland"