Funeral services for James Brinson Hughes, Sr. will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, July 3, 2011 at First Baptist Church. Dr. Cliff Morris and Dr. Harold Harrison will officiate. Burial will follow in Northview Cemetery. He died on Friday, July 01, 2011 at Serenity Hospice after an extended illness. Born on January 17, 1930, in Valdosta, Georgia, he was the son of the late James H. and Ruth Brinson Hughes. In 1943 the family moved to Laurens County from St. Petersburg, Florida. He was a graduate of Dublin High School and of Middle Georgia College, from which he received his A.A. Degree. He received his B. A. Degree from Mercer University, where he was a member of the Alembic Club and of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Later he was awarded the Masters Degree from the University of Georgia and the T-6 from Georgia College. From 1956 until 1960 he served in the United States Navy and then in the Navy Reserve for 23 years, retiring as Commander. For 36 years he taught science at West Laurens High School and was named Star Teacher 13 times. He was the Beta Club sponsor for over 30 years and received National Beta Club recognition for his service. He was the Advancement Chairman of Pine Forest District Boy Scouts for more than 20 years and was the Scout Master for Troup 66, for which he received the Silver Beaver Award for the District. Several years ago he was given the emeritus status for his long time work as a trustee of the Stanley Family Cemetery. Among his many other activities he was also a Master Gardener. An active, long-time, faithful member of First Baptist Church, he was a deacon and a member of the Forum Sunday School Class. Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Scottie Hart Hughes; his son James Brinson (Alexis) Hughes, Jr.; his grand-children, Caidin Brinson Hughes and Makayla Alexis Hughes; his sister, Helen (Josh) Durden; his niece, Lori (Fred) Johnson; his great nephew, Jacob Johnson; his great niece, Taylor Johnson; and his cousins, Lee and Melissa Canady, and Culver Jordan. Serving as pallbearers will be Dave Dalley, Tommy Craft, Gerald Payne, Ray Curry, Culver Jordan, Benny Mercer, and Robert Harrison. Honorary pallbearers will be the Class of '66 and all former Students. Contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, the Poplar Springs North Youth Group, the Georgia Baptist Children's Home or to a favorite charity. The family will receive friends at Townsend Brothers Funeral Home, Saturday from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM