James Dale Hughes passed from this life Monday, March 16, 2020, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born June 18, 1942 in the Square Rock community north of Waldron, to John J. and Aughtie Hughes. He was 77 years, 8 months and 27 days old.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, L. Wayne Swaim and G. Aldon Hughes, and a nephew Randy Swaim. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Clydene DeWitt Hughes, one daughter, Jamie LeAnn Bettinardi (Matt), three grandchildren, Maebrie Jean, Anleigh Grace and James Alexander Bettinardi, a brother-in-law, two sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews.
After high school he earned a degree in body and fender repair from a trade school in Kansas City, Missouri. He then returned home to Waldron to work several years for Denton Motor Company. During that time, he earned the certification as Master Automobile Technician. He moved on to work as a truck mechanic at Tyson Foods from where he retired.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Waldron, Arkansas. He enjoyed working on his family cattle farm, mowing and baling hay, fixing fence, and doing anything else required to keep the place running. Farm work led to one of his favorite hobbies: working on and restoring antique tractors. He and his brother, Aldon, passed many hours rebuilding tractors together. He also loved hunting and enjoyed spending time with his friends and cohorts at the Muddy Creek deer camp.
James’ celebration of life service will be Thursday, March 19, 2020 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ken Overturf, officiating. Interment will be in the Square Rock Cemetery near Waldron, AR. Arrangments are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Pallbearers are Butch Sims, Rick Sims, Jerry DeWitt, Darrell DeWitt Jr., Eric Sims, and Jeffrey Sims.
Honorary Pallbearers are “The Herman Moore Muddy Creek Deer Hunting Camp” and Arkansas Valley Antique Tractor Club.
