James "Jay" Hughes

James “Jay” Hughes, 35 years young, passed away Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at his home in Owingsville, Kentucky.  He was born on December 18, 1986 in Lexington, Kentucky to John Hughes and Paula Richardson Barber. 

Jay was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, J. Delmar Hughes and his maternal grandfather, Jimmy Richardson. 

He is survived by his father, John Hughes and his wife, Carol; his mother, Paula Richardson Barber and her husband, David; three brothers, Rhett Hughes, Phillip (Cassie) Blair, Ryan (Kristan) Barber; three sisters, Laura (Tracy) Carroll, Megan (Daniel) Richmond, Megan (Scot) Williams; his paternal grandmother, Rhodella Hughes; maternal grandmother, Grace Richardson.

Jay was the fun uncle who left behind sixteen nieces and nephews who adored him. Jay was always the first to play every game with them or listen to their stories. They were all he talked about and he loved his best buddies: Trey, Bray and Addy Carroll; Ryder, Forty and Stetson Richmond; Maddie, Emily, Elana, Knox and Hayes Williams, Jaxon and Beckham Blair; Bentley, Jayden and Mason Barber.

He will be greatly missed by his best friend until later on, Stephanie Barker and her children, Fielding and Finley Barker. He was close with and admired his mentor and friend, Logan Barker. 

He was a 2005 graduate of Rowan County Senior High School and attended Morehead State University. He received his Associates Degree from Maysville Community and Technical College.

Jay grew up an avid sports lover. He played basketball, baseball and soccer with his best friends and coached by his Uncle Cliff. Jay was part of championship teams and the recipient of many sports honors as a Rowan County Viking. He could tell you any and every stat for an upcoming UK game, and he loved Tom Brady, who he proclaimed as the G.O.A.T.

When his larger than life personality needed a recharge he found his sanctuary climbing and hiking in nature.  

Jay was a self-taught drum extraordinaire. Music was his passion. He could get lost in it for hours.

Jay’s presence filled every room he walked into. The light he radiated was the brightest of them all. Jay was the kindest soul and the first to help someone in need. His charm, charisma and humor will be remembered forever by all those who love him.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 22 from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Owingsville Methodist Church. There will not be a visitation, funeral service or burial. Just a celebration of life to bring your memories, stories and love for him. All are welcome just as you are. Jay wouldn't want everyone dressed up and making a big deal over him. The Fellowship Hall will be open as well for you to sit and share with each other our love for Jay. 

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you make a donation to the Jay Hughes Memorial Fund to help others in need. Jay loved to give back and help others so we feel this is a great way to honor him.

Richardson Funeral Home is caring for all arrangements for James "Jay" Hughes.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James "Jay" Hughes, please visit our floral store.