Roll Call Tribute

John Denny Hughes 

April 4, 1968 - August 21, 2025 

John Hughes, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away unexpectedly at his home on August 21, 2025, at age 57.

Born to Nancy and Dick Hughes in Omaha, Nebraska, John grew up alongside his siblings Neva, Rick, and Bill in San Antonio. John attended Douglas MacArthur High School (1986) where he was crowned Homecoming King, won Mr. MacArthur, and was elected class president his senior year. Throughout this time, he also played on the football team as offensive tackle and was later nominated as team captain.

As a third generation Aggie, Texas A&M ran through John’s blood, and he lived by the university’s core values: respect, excellence, loyalty, leadership, integrity, and selfless service. John graduated with his B.S. in Economics in 1990. He played for the Aggie football team as a walk-on linebacker and was a member of the Corp of Cadets for two years before leaving both groups to concentrate on academics. During this same period, John was also president of the Aggie Judo team, where he became a two-time state champion in the heavyweight division.

In 1992, John and Demetra welcomed Elly, followed by Samantha and Claire. Raising his incredible daughters was John’s proudest accomplishment. John met the love of his life, Gina Hughes, in 2014. They married in 2016, and raised seven of their children, JuliaGrace, Samantha, Trinity, Claire, Theodore, AnnaClare, and Chance on King William Street in San Antonio. John was a devoted husband to Gina, treasuring their shared adventures, making her laugh, and loving their family together. The only time John wore orange was when he was cheering on his TMI Panthers – Claire at softball, JuliaGrace swimming, Trinity running, Chance on stage, or AnnaClare at another robotics competition. John loved being “Grandaddy” to Gabi and Johnny, whom he adored and was known to FaceTime every day.

John and Gina frequently traveled together, exploring Switzerland, Slovenia, Mexico, Greece, Dubai, India, Portugal, France, Germany, Poland, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and, of course, visiting Gabi and Johnny in California whenever they got the chance.

For his work, John was a dedicated member of Raytheon Technologies for five years, leading changes in IT infrastructure and managing a team that recalls his warmth and passion in everything he did. From his coworkers in the United States to those in India, John cared fiercely for all of his team members. As of August, John had begun working as a senior manager for Otis Elevator Co.

John is survived by his wife, Gina Hughes; his children, Elly Hughes Buchanan (Dylan), JuliaGrace Walker, Samantha Hughes, Trinity Walker, Claire Hughes, Theodore Walker, AnnaClare Walker, and Chance Walker; grandchildren Gabriella (3) and John (2) Buchanan; mother, Nancy Hughes; sister Neva Hughes; brothers Rick Hughes (Heather) and Bill Hughes (Jenn); aunts and uncles Daisy and John White, Nege Curoe, Susan and Dr. Fred Maurer, Andrea and George “Critt” Hughes, Kathy and Jeff Hughes, and Sally McLaughlin; cherished nieces and nephews Matthew Hughes (Zsófi), Haleigh Hughes, Parker Hughes, Alexandria Hughes, Victoria Hughes, Issac Hughes, Ariella Hughes, Eleanor Hughes; an abundance of cousins; and family dog, Mango. He is predeceased by his father, Richard Hughes.

John brightened lives with his warm smile, big hugs, dad jokes, and animated storytelling. He was a lover of unsweet tea, cross stitching, and making his loved ones laugh. He will be remembered in our hearts as someone who became a beloved member of every community he entered and a man who was never hesitant to tell someone, “I love you.” John was the kind of man who recognized friends wherever he went – whether he was out for burgers, taking a stroll on the Riverwalk, or walking through the airport. John’s passing leaves a massive hole in the lives of those who knew him. He will be missed greatly.

A Visitation will be held from 6:00–7:30 pm on Friday, August 29, 2025 at Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home San Antonio. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at All Saints Chapel, TMI Episcopal.

John loved attending and supporting A&M and the family tradition that Samantha carried forward. To donate online, select "General Memorial" from the dropdown list; choose “this gift is in honor of someone special” in the gift details section. Add in gift notes: “In Memory of John D. Hughes ‘90” https://myaggieland.txamfoundation.com/tamf/give