John Edward Hughes
Born May 1, 1948 in Pittsburg, PA, John passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. He was preceded in death by his younger brother Robert, his father Hugh and his mother Frances. He leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Linda, children Andrea and Daniel, grandchildren Ellalynn and Clinton, and siblings Scott and Jan.
John worked for Hackettstown High School for over 50 years as not only a teacher, but also as a coach, athletic director and trainer. His incredible work ethic served the students and athletes with dedication. He also worked as an adjunct professor at Warren County Community College.
John established the Isshinryu School of Karate in Hackettstown, NJ in 1979. In July of 2022, John was promoted to 10th Degree Black belt by the Grandmaster of Isshinryu, Kichiro Shimabuku becoming only the third 10th degree blackbelt promoted by Kichiro Shimabuku in the IWKA – Isshinryu World Karate Association. He hosted over 35 benefit Karate Tournaments as well as had the honor of hosting three World Karate Championships.
For his dedication, John was recognized by several martial arts Halls of Fame for being a Visionary Martial Artists and Humanitarian, but his proudest Hall of Fame recognition was from Hackettstown Athletic Hall of Fame in October 2019. The Hackettstown Athletic Hall of Fame recognized John as a Special Contributor / Teacher / Coach / Athletic Director / Athletic Trainer from 1970 – Present.
John was an avid, accomplished cyclist, outdoorsman, and hunter. He was known for his exotic, distinct cowboy boots. As well as being Mustang enthusiast, he also enjoyed breeding and raising his German Shepherds.
To honor John’s memory, please join us at a celebration of his life on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at the Independence Fire Hall, Great Meadows, NJ from 1 – 4pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider, The John E. Hughes Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will benefit graduates of Hackettstown High School.
Donations can be made payable to: Hackettstown Board of Education, Please include J. Hughes Scholarship on the memo line
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. www.cochranfuneral.com
36 Condolences for Hughes, John E.
Condolences(36)
Sharon (Schlomer) Housel says
May 31, 2023 at 7:16 pmTo all whose hearts are touched by the loss of Mr. Hughes. WEe are so very sorry and sad.
He was a gentleman for sure teaching us kids in the early 70’s at HHS. RIP Mr. Hughes
Penny Kramer says
June 3, 2023 at 1:41 amTo Linda and family,
My heart is saddened by this news of the passing of John. He meant so much to me as a mentor, my teacher, a coach, an athletic director but most importantly, he was my friend. He was always there for me when I was at Hackettstown High School and I truly was inspired by his advice. My heart is truly heavy and I will never forget the impact he had on my life. I was truly honored when John accepted introducing me to the Hackettstown sports hall of fame.. His words are forever etched in my heart. He is one of the good guys! I am so saddened by his passing and I just wanted you to know how much John meant to me and my family. He was a wonderful man and he will be missed! So very sorry for your loss.
Michael A Rossi Jr. says
May 31, 2023 at 7:37 pmI knew John for close to 50 years. He was a fixture at HHS. In my senior year in high school I got injured right before basketball season. John learned a new training and taping technique and took care of me every day. I would not have played without him. That’s the type of professional and person he was. He was a great man, dedicated to his craft, and cared beyond words about Hackettstown. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, my friend.
Mike Rossi Jr.
Scott & Lisa Conroy says
May 31, 2023 at 7:58 pmLisa and I offer our deepest sympathies to the Hughes family at John’s passing. He touched so many people’s lives as a leader in education, athletics and martial arts. His influence was always positive, setting a standard for others to emulate. I knew him to be a man of conviction and deep commitment to his beliefs. With this he measured in his approach and reserving of public judgment. There have been few people in my life to provide as much positive influence as Hanshi has for me. I will always try to respect his memory by acting on his positive influence.
Please let us know if there is anything you need during this very difficult time and know there is a community that supports you.
Rob & Jacquie Petersen says
June 1, 2023 at 12:53 amCondolences to John’s family. I remember well when he began his career at HHS. Thank you to a good friend and a mentor and teacher to our kids. Godspeed John.
Teri Cichlar says
May 31, 2023 at 8:02 pmThank you for your devotion to the HHS students and athletes over the years, myself and both of my kids included. Your dedication, kindness, cowboy boots and excessive love for athletic tape will never be forgotten. May you rest in eternal peace. 🧡🖤
Sincere condolences to the family and friends you leave behind.
Fran Basile says
May 31, 2023 at 8:07 pmDearest Linda and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as we mourn John’s sudden passing.
The ripple effect throughout our community is wide because John had a great impact on so many, including our Scouts.
Please know we share in your sorrow and are here for you. Sending wishes for peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Fran, Vince, and Dominic Basile
Teri (Fair) Ely says
May 31, 2023 at 8:42 pmMay God bless and keep your family in your time of need.
I had the pleasure of having Mr Hughes as a teacher in ’93.
I have remembered him fondly throughout the years, for what he said to me that year.
I was suspended for a week for missing a pep rally, no thanks to the vice principal at the time, who accused me of running him over while leaving the parking lot. Upon my return Mr. Hughes pulled me aside and said “welcome back, next time make sure you hit him”.
Rest in peace Mr Hughes.
Ray & Rita Hirsch says
May 31, 2023 at 8:45 pmDear Linda and family,
Ray and I were so sorry to hear of John’s passing. We have many fond memories of him with the Karate family. You and your children are in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Roy Huchel says
May 31, 2023 at 8:51 pmJohn was a good and honorable man. A loyal friend who never saw a down day. He was always upbeat looking at the brighter side of the darkest day. May he rest in peace, blessings to his family for their loss of a devoted father and husband….
Paul Bennett says
May 31, 2023 at 8:55 pmSo sorry to hear about John’s passing. Mr. Hughes was one of the good guys at HHS. I enjoyed our conversations and banter in English class, locker room, trainer table or during our tennis matches and at the Sandbar, he was legend at HHS and the folklore which he would never confirm or deny, but just smile. He will me missed by those who loved him. Thank you Mr. Hughes
Paul & Robin Wallace says
May 31, 2023 at 9:02 pmDear Hughes Family
My Wife and I were so saddened, and surprised to see Mr. Hughes notice, as he was the special kind of person you would think could go on for ever, always in great shape.
Our surprise is so very insignificant to the pain You all must be feeling, we can only ask the LORD to comfort You as only HE truly can during such difficult times.
GOD Bless You, In Christ Alone 🙏🏻
Paul & Robin Wallace
Liz Iacampo says
May 31, 2023 at 9:10 pmThis is such sad news. A significant figure in my HHS years is gone. Hard to put into a short paragraph the impact Mr. Hughes had on many of us. His dedication to his students went beyond the halls of HHS…he was the first person in the door at my mother’s funeral. I wish his family comfort in knowing he made a huge difference in the world, and I wish them peace in their time of sorrow.
Ed Wehmeyer says
May 31, 2023 at 11:24 pmTo Family and Friends
I had the pleasure of knowing John for over 50 years . He was my English Teacher at HHS my Junior Year as well as Athletic Trainer. Before all the football games he would Tape my ankles along with the rest of the team. The football team called him Medic! He was an outstanding one at that! I always admired the Ford Mustangs that he drove. I would kiddingly ask John if he wanted to Switch Cars with me! We both would Laugh! John was my friend and great guy! He would always seek me out at HHS Athletic Events to come and chat. I will miss those special moments and I will miss The Medic! A great Man!
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Linda and Family
RIP John 🙏🏻
Debi Thoms says
May 31, 2023 at 11:46 pmMy sympathies and condolences to the Hughes family.
I had Mr. Hughes for public speaking in high school. I hated speaking in front of others but he made it fun.
He will be dearly missed by many.
Michael Hoelen says
June 1, 2023 at 12:38 amRest in peace Sensei. I learned a lot from you while attending Karate classes and carried what you, your wife, and all the other instructors taught me throughout the years even when I joined the military/went to war. Prayers and condolences to your family.
Patty Smith Johnson says
June 1, 2023 at 2:21 pmMr Hughes was a great person he touched everyone that crossed his path in HHS. RIP Mr. Hughes you will be missed . Prayers for the family 🙏🙏🙏.
Robert & Judie Wallen says
June 1, 2023 at 2:07 amWe have knownJohn for more than 25 years enjoying many conversations about our love for German Shepherds and karate. Our warmest thoughts for his family Life has lost a great man. RIP John
Ray McDonald says
June 1, 2023 at 1:32 pmRIP John! I will miss seeing you in the mornings at the college. Walking down the hall to get your coffee in your famous cowboy boots. Weird not seeing you this week. Youve left a lifetime of impressions to many. Fly high!
The Curcio Family ~ Mike, Cari, Nicolas and Kimberly says
June 1, 2023 at 2:15 pmRest in peace. The world is a smaller place without you in it. Thank you for your many gifts and for the bright star that we all carry within us. “A person’s heart is the same as Heaven and Earth.” Linda, all our love and may you all find peace within his peace.
Eddie meeker says
June 1, 2023 at 7:09 pmNot only a great teacher but a great friend…..work construction with john in the summer…with my brother…he was just simply a great guy.condolences to his family….
George Russo says
June 2, 2023 at 1:46 amJohn was one of my teachers in the 70’s very saddened to hear of his passing,John was one of my customers at Smith Motor Company in Washington were he would bring one of his mustangs for service also sold him parts for other mustangs he had,we would speak about the HHS days of what a pain in the ass I was and we just laughed.God bless his family and friends,After 40 plus years of being out of school I’m glad I was able to hook up with him in the past few years.RIP my friend you were one of a kind.HHS 1977
Jim Funcheon says
June 1, 2023 at 7:20 pmLove you John—will miss you as a friend and a person I always admired. Had the distinct pleasure of working with John for 25 years & knowing him for 50 years. He was one of the most amazing people I ,have ever met. In addition to his many various talents ,John was a kind & feeling person. He loved his students & they loved him. He will be missed by all of us , but all he did for HHS & it’s students will be remembered for years to come. Thanks John—rest in peace. Jim Funcheon
Larry Blyden says
June 1, 2023 at 10:13 pmWords are mere adjectives and shall never fully express or encompass the magnitude of John Hughes, my mentor, my sensi, most importantly my friend. He was always there for me and countless others. Loved me when others would not. Ours is 4-life. Best wishes to the family.
Much love.
Bly Blyden
Joe Easty says
June 1, 2023 at 10:59 pmMr. Hughes was the one person you wanted around during an emergency. He knew exactly what needed to be done and got it done. He is a true Hackettstown legend. My deepest condolences to the Hughes Family and the Hackettstown Community.
Jenni Funcheon Jordano says
June 2, 2023 at 3:45 amMr. Hughes was a special man he was kind thoughtful and always interested in everyone. I knew him when I was a student and as a friend of our family. God Bless you Mr. Hughes you were one of a kind and will be truly missed. Thoughts and prayers to your family
Heather Fuenzalida says
June 2, 2023 at 5:18 pmI’m so sorry to hear this sad news. I attended Master Hughes ‘ karate tournaments since the late 1980’s. He was a great man and will be missed by all who knew him.
GLORIA BUCHMAN says
June 2, 2023 at 6:11 pmDan, Shailynn and Clinton,
So sorry for your loss. I didn’t know your father but sounds like he was one special person that this world will miss. May the many memories of your special times with him bring you comfort during this time. May he rest in peace.
Joseph DiMaio says
June 3, 2023 at 2:07 amMy heart felt condolences to the Hugh family. May he rest in peace, see you on the other side and once again talk about our hunting adventures.
Nancy Till says
June 3, 2023 at 10:40 amSincerest sympathy to Linda, Andrea, Dan and your families. John’s influence and support during my HHS years is forever imprinted on me. May he rest in peace.
Trix Lynar says
June 5, 2023 at 12:19 pmMy memory of John will always be how good he was with the kids in Karate. John was a big inspiration for Jason who is now a teacher himself. John has been a big part of my family’s life. After Tom died I would always run into him in town. He will be missed. Love Trix
Burton Maben says
June 6, 2023 at 3:35 amMy deepest condolences.
Darry Applegate says
June 13, 2023 at 4:03 pmSo very sorry to hear of John’s untimely passing. I knew him from when he started at HHS and was the trainer for the football team (where he was known as “Medic”) and later had the good fortune of having him as a teacher. A good guy. He will be missed.
john j mcginley says
June 25, 2023 at 2:54 pmMy memory of John is always with me,so sorry to hear this late,he has a great legacy,my cond
David Bryk says
February 18, 2024 at 9:01 pmMy deepest sympathy.
A Great teacher.
Dan Q says
April 21, 2025 at 1:48 pmJohn was a great mentor for me at Isshinryu Karate in Jackettstown back in the 80s. He touched many lives in a positive way. A great man who will be missed
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