James Derek Hughes

James Derek Hughes, age 46, died October 8, 2012. James was born to Carol and Vern Hughes on December 6, 1965 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He graduated from Jackson Hole High, class of 1984. He then attended Brigham Young University. James served an honorable full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Little Rock, Arkansas from 1986-1988. James loved to share his testimony of Jesus Christ with others.
James met Betsy Skeeles in Jackson Hole and they were married August 31, 1991. They welcomed five children to their family: Jackson, Yuhua, Savannah, Brooklyn and John. James loved his family, his wife and children were the joy of his life. He was a devoted and loving father with a special way of connecting with each of his children.
He had a great sense of humor and was renowned for practical jokes. James loved snow skiing. He loved to capture the beauty of nature and people in his photography. He was a talented singer and artist. He was creative and had a brilliant intellect and memory. James loved Broadway musicals and history. He loved to eat at Thai Country. He was always prepared for any calamity with a flashlight and a roll of Duct Tape.
James began his career in the insurance industry working for Country Insurance for over 15 years. Most recently he worked for Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho as Director of Crop Insurance and Director of Training and Development. He was integral in organizing community events such as the Farm Bureau Salute to Idaho Veterans. James was fiercely patriotic and held a passion for honoring those who served their country.
James is survived by his wife Betsy and their children: Jackson, Yuhua, Savannah, Brooklyn and John. He is also survived by his mother Carol Hughes of South Jordan, Utah, and siblings, Patrick, Will, Karin, Dianne, Tim, Kerry and Jonathan. He was preceded in death by his father Vern and brothers Kevin and Rickard.
Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 1645 NW Baker Creek Road, McMinnville, Oregon on Saturday October 13, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Humanitarian fund or Love Without Boundaries.