John Winder Hughes, Jr.

John Winder Hughes, Jr., 95, passed away peacefully at his home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida on July 19, 2024. He was born on July 31, 1928, in Wilmington, North Carolina, son of John Winder Hughes of New Bern, NC and Elizabeth Nelson Walsh Hughes of Greensboro, NC.

 Winder is survived by his children and grandchildren: John Winder Hughes lll (Madison, Halle, and Gracie), Thaddeus Love Hughes (Thaddeus Jr. and Charles [Chase]& Carly), Thomas Nelson Hughes and Leigh (Nelson and Holleman) and Jane Love Hughes (Hannah & William and Louise).

 Winder filled his childhood summers boating and surf casting with his dear cousin James Buttner Hughes, Jr. “Jimmy” and friends at The Carolina Yacht Club and golfing at the Cape Fear Country Club.

 Winder graduated from Episcopal High School (1946) and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill where he was an esteem member of both the first lacrosse team and the wrestling team. He remembered his affiliation to Delta Kappa Epsilon adding immeasurably to his college experience.

 He served for the US Marine Corp before joining the family business, Hughes Brothers Inc. Soon afterwards, Winder was accepted into the Columbia Graduate School of Business, where he earned an MBA (1957).

 Winder married his love, Jane Love of Wilmington, NC. They transferred to Jacksonville, Florida to establish Hughes Brother, Inc along with his cousin Jimmy. Soon after, Winder and Jane found their forever home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida where they raised their children.

 Winder enjoyed walking in nature admiring God’s creations, hiking the mountains and “walking the beach”. He spent time duck hunting with his sons. His most cherished past time during his later years was spending time sharing stories with his family and friends.

 The hand of God was ever-present in Winder’s life and he felt blessed in every way. He always put others before himself, reminding us through grace “to be forever mindful for the needs of others.” He was a man of unconditional love, forgiveness, helping those in need. His involvement with inner city kids though Young Life was something he talked about often. His definition of success was character and integrity. He strongly valued helping others who wanted to help themselves. He will be missed immensely!

 Services will be held this Fall in Greensboro, NC.

 Donations in Winder’s honor may be made to the Urban Ministry at Young Life Northeast Florida (Box 2173 Jacksonville, Fl 32203).