James Louis Hughes, "Louie", 81, of Mesick, Michigan, passed away on May 3, 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family as he left this world to join his Lord.

Louie was born on July 23, 1942, in Lapeer, Michigan, to Roy and Carolyn Hughes. The family lived in Lapeer and later on a small farm in Paris, Michigan, and he was one of nine children.

On June 9, 1962, Louie married Judy Usher at the Marilla Church of the Brethren. Together, they raised three children, built a home on the Usher family farm, and celebrated their family, including parents, brothers and sisters, their children and grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Louie worked as a union roofer in Flint, Michigan, and retired and returned to Mesick, where he joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and worked as a carpenter, foreman and superintendent before retiring from Local 706 in 2003. After retirement, Louie earned his real estate brokers license and enjoyed helping others with finding a new home or property in the area.

He is survived by his wife, Judy, Mesick; daughter, Julie (Jim) Cronk, Traverse City; daughter, Terri (Troy) Lazzell, Perry; son, Dennis, Mesick; three grandsons, Andrew (Ari) Cronk, Ashville, N.C., Erik (Samantha) Cronk, Gaylord, and Nicholas Lazzell, Lansing; three granddaughters, Maggie Lazzell, Philadelphia; Mackenzie Cronk, Traverse City, and Jamie Cronk, Traverse City; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by: one brother, Bill (Robin) Hughes, Evart; two sisters, Carol (Albert) Brown, Pikeville, Tenn., and Ruth (Tim) Hanchett, Tustin; a brother-in-law, Larry Usher, Mesick; and three sisters-in-law, Debby Usher, Tucumcari, N. Mex., Janice Hughes, Cornersville, Tenn., and Nancy Hughes, Graysville, Tenn.; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father- and mother-in-law, three brothers, a sister and an infant sister, in addition to two nephews.

Louie was a member of the Mesick Seventh Day Adventist Church, where he served as treasurer and in other roles. He enjoyed sports, attending Nascar races, mushroom hunting, fishing, hunting, camping, reading and spending time with his family. He had been active in local service, including president of the Marilla Township Board and served as township assessor; served on the Northern Exposure Campground board; was a member of the Lions Club, serving as president and in other offices, along with other local boards and committees. He also served as assessor for Grant Township and in Manistee.

Louie will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Services will be conducted at 12 pm on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Terwilliger Funeral Home, in Kaleva. Visitation will take place from 11 am until the time of service at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place at the Marilla Township Cemetery.

In honor of Louie, donations may be made to Mesick SDA Church, P.O. Box 339, Mesick, Mich. 49668, for Love Inc.

The Terwilliger Funeral Home, in Kaleva, is in charge of arrangements.

www.terwilligerfuneralhome.com