Joseph V. Hughes, Jr., 73, passed from death to new life Sunday, October 4, 2026 after a courageous, six-year battle with Lewy Body Dementia. He was surrounded by loved ones at home.

Joe was a native Texan. He lived in Dallas all but a decade in Midland and a short final chapter with his new granddaughter in Franklin, TN. He attended Christ the King School (with a year at St. Paul’s in Richardson). He was a proud Ranger at Jesuit College Preparatory and thereafter embodied the Aggie Spirit at Texas A&M University. He earned his accounting degree but also became a leader on campus. He brought the Diamond Darlings, TAMU’s baseball bat girl program, to life and was one of A&M’s first non-reg Yell Leaders. These schools formed him; and his love of them spanned the duration of his life. 

After years as a successful CPA, he was ready for his next adventure and tried his hand in oil and gas. His entrepreneurial spirit served him well. He achieved success in his work. This pleased him but did not define him. He was so much more than his accomplishments.

Wife Holly describes Joe as the perfect husband, loving her unconditionally and making sure she always knew it. He loved his children. He worked to make sure they shared his values and his unique way of looking at things, some of which rubbed off on them! He was generous and loyal. If you ever told Joe Hughes a secret, no worries. It has gone to the grave with him. What better legacy might a man leave?

Not inclined toward honors or positions, he dove deeply into whatever caught his fancy at the time – photography, wine & spirits, golf and more. We’ve been known to say about Joe: Anything worth doing is worth overdoing. He was interesting, clever – ingenious – fun and ever-optimistic. His dry-wit and wry sense of humor are legendary as were his bowties and boots. He was cheerful, long-tempered and a bit of a gunslinger. Everyone who knew him has at least one, priceless Joe Hughes story.

And somehow, he managed to achieve this larger-than-life personality with a large measure of humility.

His Catholic faith was important to him; he practiced it wherever he went, and he generously supported numerous charitable organizations. He was a member of Brook Hollow Golf Club, Dallas Petroleum Club and during a Pebble Beach chapter, a member of Monterey Peninsula Country Club.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Holly Oldfield Hughes; son Joseph V. Hughes, III; daughter Kathryn Hughes Pollack and husband Matthew F. Pollack; and granddaughter Margaret Beatrice Pollack. Also dear Maria Palacios, an angel in our family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Joseph V. Hughes, Jr. Memorial Scholarship at Jesuit College Preparatory (12345 Inwood Rd. Dallas, TX 75244) or the charity of your choice.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Christ the King Catholic Church, 8017 Preston Rd., Dallas, TX on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 11 am. Reception following in the Parish Hall.

He is healed, and for this we give praise and glory to God. We can see all the angels and saints in Heaven donning their bowties to sing: Here comes a fun guy!