John is survived by his loving family; parents, Danny and Patricia Hughes; sister, Ashley Hughes; grandmothers, Josephine Babcock and Betty Hughes as well as many aunts, uncles, extended family and countless friends, especially his life long special friend, Kristin Sample.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert Babcock and Donald L. Hughes Sr.
One of John’s passions was the sport of wrestling. He was a top placer on his team, a team captain his senior year and he also earned many awards including, being a medallist in the Junior Olympics, held in New Orleans, when he was part of the Lake Erie Wrestling Club.
Another of John’s passions was in music. Throughout junior high and high school he enjoyed playing percussion instruments, and later became quite accomplished in playing the bass, acoustic, and lead guitars, most of which was self-taught.
In addition to his physical talents, he was known for his big heart, his incredible smile, and his infectious sense of humor. His caring nature was felt strongly by all the people in his life as well as animals. He possessed an uncanny ability to bond with any animals he met. He was also an avid fan of the New York Yankees and the Ohio state Buckeyes.
John’s impact on others was enormous, despite his short time on earth.
Friends may visit Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Rd. in Oregon (419) 693-9304, on Friday, November 18, 2011 from 2-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday in the funeral home at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a legacy memorial to Lake High School Wrestling. Contributions may be made to: Lake High School Wrestling (John Hughes’ name on the memo line), Lake High School, 28080 Lemoyne Road Millbury, Ohio 43447