JAMES, Patricia 'Pat' G. Hughes 1925-2008
Patricia "Pat" James was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Dec. 20, 1925, to Edward M. and M. Gertrude Welch. She passed into God's arms on Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, due to complications following surgery. She was 82.
Raised in Pittsburgh, she also lived in Southern California and Vancouver, Wash. Pat had been living at St Anthony's Village in Southeast Portland since 2003. She married Thomas E. Hughes in 1944, and they had three children. He died in September 1954. Pat was married to Spencer James in 1959. He passed away in 1988.
She is survived by her three children and two step children, son, Terry Hughes and partner, Rod Brackenbury, owners of the Cadillac Café, Portland; son, Ed Hughes and wife, Christine of Enterprise, Ala.; daughter, Mary McCreary and husband, Rick Spoores of Tempe, Ariz.; stepsons, Gary James of Florida and Don James of California. In addition she is survived by five grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Proud, stoic and fiercely independent, Pat James was an advocate for many and any cause she felt passionate about. At 82 she enrolled in college classes to finish earning her degree in history. Even though she had lost most of her vision, she was teaching people with reduced vision how to remain independent as they lost their own sight. Her children were her life and she gave them unconditional love. Pat James was a warm spirit who cared about others before she cared about herself. She will be missed by her family and the many friends and acquaintances that she had.
There will be a memorial service on her behalf at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008, at Augustana Lutheran Church, 2710 NE 14th Ave., Portland, OR 97212. A reception will follow the service.
Remembrances can be made in her name to The Oregon Commission for The Blind or The Oregon Humane Society.
Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits.
Published in The Oregonian on 10/19/2008