Jerry Hughes

On November 2018, Jerry Hughes was diagnosed with an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer that quickly spread.  Although he was able to get the best care at Michigan Medicine, the cancer spread quickly and his health wasn't strong enough to try aggressive treatments.  Hospice was called in and Jerry spent his remaining months with his family. The medical expenses and the costs for direct care in the months leading up to his death on April 4th, 2019 were extensive.    His wife Kay will need some help to pay down these bills which are now $7,000 with more coming in.  If you are able to help, Kay and her family would be grateful. 


Jerry and Kay were married for over 55 years and welcomed 6 children into their home. Together they loved and cherished their children and grandchildren.




Jerry and Kay’s children were introduced to many interests and hobbies including, but not limited to, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, camping at Wilderness State Park, membership in East Jordan Gun Club where they learned to shoot their muzzleloaders, (built by Jerry), sailing and bicycling. 

Jerry and Kay have always been proud of each child and grandchild and grieved when they had to move away to follow their professions. That made their visits all the sweeter and fun when the house was full on Thanksgiving (and the Saturday tree lighting), and especially the Fourth of July in Harbor Springs. The little ones will miss the warm cookies at the door when they arrived at “Gampa Hoose”.


Jerry had many hobbies and was well read. He enjoyed muzzleloading and target shooting, which is how he met some of his lifelong friends. He was an avid bicyclist often biking along M119 to Sturgeon Bay and placing in the Ore to Shore in Marquette just six years ago. Most of all he loved sailing on the beautiful harbors of Northern Michigan and the North Channel on Lake Huron in Canada. He was at peace on the water and taught many of his children how to sail. Late in life, he wasn’t able to sail and his family hopes he has found his clear blue waters to sail, now in heaven.



If you can find it in your hearts to give, please donate.  We want our mother Kay to have one less thing to worry about as she grieves the passing of her friend and soulmate.   

If you would prefer to gift Kay directly, she will be receiving mail at her address in Harbor Springs.