John Robert Hughes

John R. Hughes, 71, of Salem, Va., passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born on January 14, 1952, in Richlands, Va., to the late Willie R. (Bill) and Mary Magdalene (Maggie) Hughes. John married Suzann Walker on May 3, 1992.

John attended Virginia Tech, earned an associate degree in electrical engineering from Southwest Virginia Community College, and obtained paramedic and respiratory therapy certificates from the College of Health Sciences in Roanoke. He held various jobs, including coal mine maintenance foreman, EMT-paramedic, and respiratory therapist. John’s jobs often involved teaching, a role he thoroughly enjoyed. He was an avid reader and a great storyteller. He loved music, played various instruments, and was a dedicated fan of NASCAR and the NFL.

John is survived by his wife, Suzann; son, Willie D. (s.o. Beatriz Casillas) of Linden, Va.; daughter, Katherine E. of Roanoke, Va.; brother, Edward L. (Betty) of Richlands, Va.; and friends, especially the Kyle Wilson family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Patricia E. (Pat).

Special thanks to the staff at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for their excellent care.

There will be a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.