James F Hughey Jr.

Jim Hughey, Jr. Aug. 15, 1945 - Feb. 8, 2023 James Fletcher ("Jim") Hughey, Jr. was born August 15, 1945, to Dr. James F. Hughey and Emma Geraldine Hammack Hughey. He grew up in Tuscaloosa and graduated from Baylor University School and then The University of Alabama, where he served as president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and most importantly where he met the love of his life, Janice ("Jan") Johnson. Jim and Jan were married on Jim's birthday in 1968 and enjoyed over 55 happy years of marriage. After college, Jim graduated from The University of Alabama School of Law and then from the New York University School of Law, where he received a master of laws in taxation. In 1972, Jim joined the law firm now known as Balch & Bingham LLP, where he practiced law until 2007. Jim was elected chairman of the Executive Committee of the firm in 1989 and served in that role until 2007, when he joined Brasfield & Gorrie as President of Corporate Planning and Administration. He retired in 2014. Jim proudly served in the United States military, beginning his career in the U.S. Army Reserves before moving on to the Alabama National Guard as a Quartermaster Lieutenant and JAG Officer. Jim was deeply committed to his community and his state, and he volunteered his time and talents generously. He was a natural leader who was asked to head virtually every organization with which he was affiliated. Jim was an Eagle Scout and he remained active in the Boy Scouts of America his entire life, serving on the Executive Board and as Chairman of the Greater Alabama Council. For this service, Jim received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, among other honors. Jim served several terms on the vestry of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, including a term as Senior Warden. He was also an active member of the Rotary Club of Birmingham, of which he served as president and chairman of the board. He also served on the boards of the Daniel Foundation of Alabama, Russell Lands, the Lakeshore Foundation and Hospital, Leadership Alabama, and United Way of Central Alabama, as well as on the President's Cabinet at The University of Alabama. Jim was an avid golfer who loved playing with his dogfights at the Country Club of Birmingham and with friends at Willow Point on Lake Martin. In retirement, he enjoyed the fellowship of the Monday Lunch Group and the Romeos lunch group. Jim particularly cherished hunting with friends, including the Smiling Mallards, with whom he traveled the U.S. and beyond for over 40 years. Jim also enjoyed socializing with his many friends in the Beaux Arts Krewe and the Redstone Club. Jim was patient, fair, and kind but also dedicated, prepared, and courageous. He always thought before he spoke and listened more than he talked. His methodical and brilliant mind was perfectly complemented by his spry wit and perfect sense of timing. No heart was ever kinder or more true to those he loved and he loved just about everyone he ever met. He will be dearly missed, but the many causes and institutions he nurtured will live on for generations to come. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Jimmy and Jerry Hughey, as well as his brother David. He is survived by his wife, Jan; his son, James Fletcher Hughey III (Lauren); his daughter, Elizabeth Brantley (Chip); his sister, Elaine Smythe (Robert); his brother, Greg; and five grandchildren: Emma Hughey, Fletcher Hughey, Angus Brantley, Campbell Hughey, and Nicholas Brantley. A visitation will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church at 2pm on February 11, followed by a memorial service at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the James F. Hughey, Jr. Endowed Scholarship at The University of Alabama School of Law (Box 870382, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0382); Greater Alabama Council, Boy Scouts of America (P.O. Box 43307, Birmingham, AL 35243); the St. Luke's Foundation (3736 Montrose Road, Birmingham, AL 35213) or the charity of your choice.