John Francis Hughes, Jr. (Jay), loved life and lived large. He was a fun-loving friend, amazing partner, and loyal family member. Jay passed away peacefully at his home in Aptos after a valiant battle with cancer, with his life partner Juliette and close friends holding his hands.

Jay was born in Georgia, he grew up in Westport, Connecticut, and he lived in New York City and California. He graduated from Fairfield Preparatory School and Sacred Heart University. Jay spent his 30-year career in New York City with the New York Times, as a successful marketing executive in Operations and Advertising. It was during that time that Jay gained his love for world travel. He was an ardent UConn, Yankee and Warriors fan and thought he was a prognosticator of all sports! He proudly volunteered for the local Sheriff’s Advisory Team. Jay opened his home to friends to eat, drink and dance, making fun memories with Extra Large.

Jay’s myriad of friends will remember him as loyal, generous, witty and thoughtful, and if you were privileged to be in that circle, you knew you had a friend for life. He will be dearly missed.

Jay is survived by his loving life-partner, Juliette Bloxham, his brothers, William (Donna), Kenneth, Brian (Molly), and his sister Marie Chan (Frank). Other survivors include his nieces and nephews, Lisa and Jack Hughes, Ryan and Sarah Hughes, Meagan Main (Kevin) and Ashley Chan, great nephew and niece, Jackson and Makenzie Main. Jay was predeceased by his parents, John F. and Rita (Jackson) Hughes.

Celebrations of his life will be held on future dates. Donations may be made in Jay’s memory to Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter at scanimalshelter.org.