James Bernard McHugh

On Thursday, July 7, 2022, James “Jim” Bernard McHugh, passed away peacefully at the age of 80 at home with his loving wife, Sandy by his side. He valiantly battled Parkinson’s and Myasthenia for years. His resilience continued to amaze his family, his friends, and even his doctors. He was a gentle giant with an infectious smile, a quick wit, and a mischievous sense of humor.

Jim was welcomed into to the world August 31, 1941, in Waterloo, Iowa, by his father, James Bernard McHugh and his mother, Ruth (Lau). He had many fond memories of growing up with his older sister, Kathryn (John Leavell).

He graduated from West High School (class of 1959) in Waterloo, Iowa, before venturing out to earn his Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Northern Iowa (class of 1965). Jim then pursued his passion for physical therapy with a master’s from the University of Kansas in 1966.

Jim‘s career led him to Illinois, Indiana, and eventually Colorado. Jim and Sandy settled in the beautiful mountain town of Durango where they proudly completed their family: Stephanie (his favorite daughter), Michael (Heidi), Patrick (Kathy), and Steven. Jim spent many years working at Mercy Hospital, both in physical therapy and in hospital administration.

He returned to school to receive his degree in health administration from the University of Colorado. He was excited to move to Scottsbluff, Nebraska, where he worked for 18 years as vice president at Regional West Medical Center. One of the achievements Jim was most proud of while at RWMC was the development of a trauma center to serve Western Nebraska. This included a medical helicopter that facilitated faster transportation of patients for emergency care. Jim enjoyed an occasional round of golf to remind himself why he chose to be a hospital administrator. He was a risk taker because he sometimes allowed his grandkids to drive the golf cart.

Jim was a doting grandfather to his 10 grandchildren. Tyler (Nabille), Rachel (Travis), Scott, Julie, Ryan Nickole, Derek, Shayna, Riana, Talen and Aaron; great grandchildren, Aria and Atlas. He loved going to his grandkids events, both sporting and performances. He particularly relished making AND eating chocolate fudge with them! Jim was a proud uncle to John, Jim, Mary Kathryn, and Rob and enjoyed being a great uncle to their children.

After retirement Jim and Sandy settled in Loveland, Colorado, where they enjoyed life on Boyd Lake. Jim was an avid reader with an amazing memory, a Renaissance man who loved learning. He enjoyed all kinds of music, art, sports, movies, history, medicine and so much more. He loved going to Indy 500 races, Formula One races, and other sporting events, and had a lifelong love of sailing.

Jim fiercely loved his family and built many lasting friendships with the people he worked with and met on his journey. He had so much fun with his sister-in-laws, Jackie (Jim) and Sally (Bob). Jim formed a special bond with his long-term caregiver, Nikki, who could always make him laugh and get him to exercise when no one else could. We couldn’t have done it without her! And all the many other family, friends, and professionals who helped along the way. Finally he will be remembered for his kindness and support to everyone and his undying devotion to his wife, Sandy.

A celebration of life to honor Jim will be held on August 20, 2022, at 1:00 pm at Foundations Church, 1159 Main Street, Windsor, CO 80550. For those who would like to, a donation in memory of James B. McHugh can be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate/make-donation-tribute