Jack Whittum Hughes 88, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri went home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 23, 2024. 

Jack was born in the small town of Braymer, Missouri in 1935 at home, to Daniel and Grace Johnson Hughes. He was the youngest and last surviving sibling of 12 children; Delbert William, Raymond Francis, Eva Mae, Clifford Jones, Doris Elijah, Victor Lee, David Lavere, Wauneta Elizabeth, Charles Dennis,  Richard Eugene and James Edward. 

While in high school, Jack moved from Ludlow, Missouri to Kansas City, Missouri to complete his high school career. He graduated from Westport High School in 1954.  

Jack honorably served in the Air Force. Upon discharge, he began working at Ford Motor Company in Claycomo, Missouri and was later transferred to the Ohio Truck Plant in Avon Lake Ohio, where he worked until he retired. 

Jack married the love of his life Linda, in 1975. Spending time with his wife was his favorite pastime. They preferred to be together always, and hated to be apart. Throughout their years together, it was quite common to hear him affectionately telling her “I love you, Mrs. Hughes!”

During his years at Ford Motor company, Jack received his Bachelors Degree from Dyke College in Cleveland, Ohio.

Upon retirement Jack and Linda moved from Ohio to their current residence in Excelsior Springs, MO. Once retired, Jack was known to have repeatedly said with laughter that he didn’t know how he previously had ever had the time to work because of the full and busy lives they created together after his retirement. 

As a father, Jack delighted in his children Bradley (Karla) Mark (Lisa), Ron (Peggy) and Holly (Jim) and would gladly share any and all accomplishments of each (including those of his daughters in law and son in law) to anyone who would listen. He additionally cherished his grandchildren; Kristen, Matt, Grace, Jack, Shelbie, Lauren and Lydia and five great grandchildren. He made each feel loved, seen and valued as he took great interest in their lives. 

Jack loved Jesus and would share the blessing of knowing Him, particularly as he underwent chemotherapy treatment. He often was heard saying that he thanked the good Lord above each and every day for his wife and children and that he couldn’t be more blessed. 

With twinkling eyes, Jack was a joyful storyteller and had a loud infectious laugh as he shared his countless stories. He had a saying for everything and was joyfully willing to give a helping hand whether to build a fence, fix a mower or assist with any task. Sometimes he just liked to watch and sage advice was offered and always sprinkled with cheerful humor. 

In their neighborhood, Jack could be found oftentimes on his four wheeler zipping around to check in and to pitch in if needed.

Jack was readily identified in a store by his whistling, singing or laughing. Many a person that knew him would approach in a store and say “I knew that was Jack because I heard his laugh!”  Or his whistle. Or his singing. Generous in nature, Jack also had the gift for giving great bear hugs. 

Willing to work hard, Jack was organized and tenacious: if he set his mind on doing something, he saw it happen - and he was this way until the end. 

Jack had an incredible talent for singing and playing the mandolin which was self taught as he grew up playing gospel and bluegrass with his family and siblings. Later, he played with a country bluegrass band comprised of a group of friends with whom he worked. They gathered on numerous occasions over the years to laugh, talk, sing and play music. 

Some of his additional interests included listening to bluegrass music, watching KC Chiefs football and texting with his boys as they all watched, mowing his yard, hunting turkey, fishing, watching NASCAR races, springtime mushroom hunting and putting together jigsaw puzzles with his wife. 

An incredible legacy of love, laughter, joy and grace was left to us. There are not enough words to describe the man he was and the legacy he created. Jack Hughes - Daddy, Dad, Pop, Grandpa, Papaw, Ripper, Jackie - you will be missed and remembered and our time with you, treasured. 

Jack is survived by his spouse, all his children, their spouses, his grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and whole host of friends. 

No services are scheduled and the family requests that you share your memories of Jack through a card, phone call or message.