Assembly Resolution No. 1059
BY: M. of A. Walsh
MOURNING the death of Justice James Hughes,
distinguished citizen, accomplished judge, and
devoted member of his community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, James Hughes, lovingly known as Jim, of Clifton Park, New
York, died on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, James Hughes was born on September 18, 1939, in Brooklyn,
New York, to the late James and Irene Hughes; and
WHEREAS, Called to serve his country, James Hughes served in the
United States Navy from 1956 to 1960 as a Radioman 2nd Class; after his
honorable discharge, he continued his public service by graduating from
the New York State Police Academy in 1961 and starting a career as a New
York State Trooper; and
WHEREAS, Early in his 20-year career with the New York State Police,
James Hughes was stationed on the eastern tip of Long Island, New York,
and was transferred to Clifton Park, New York, in 1967; and
WHEREAS, While working as a New York State Trooper in Clifton Park,
James Hughes simultaneously was working hard to earn his A.A.S. in
Police Science from Hudson Valley Community College and his B.S. in
Criminal Science from Russell Sage College, which he completed in 1973;
and
WHEREAS, In 1981, James Hughes retired from the New York State
Police at the rank of Zone Sergeant; and
WHEREAS, Despite his retirement, James Hughes still had a strong
desire to work for his community, which led him to become elected as
Clifton Park Town Judge in 1982; and
WHEREAS, After stepping into the role of town judge, James Hughes
enrolled in Albany Law School in 1984 and graduated and passed the bar
exam in 1987; these accomplishments led him to serve as Mechanicville
City Court Judge and the Acting Washington County Family Court Judge for
a time as well; and
WHEREAS, During his career as town justice, James Hughes authored a
Manual for the Jury Charge of a Driving While Intoxicated Trial, which
was incorporated into the Office of Judicial Support Continuing Legal
Credits Program; and
WHEREAS, James Hughes served the people of Clifton Park as town
justice for over 40 years and he represented children in family court
across Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties for nearly 35 years; he
was known by all as a judge who presided over his courtroom with
fairness, integrity, and a deep respect for the rule of law; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his accomplishments, dedication, and
public service, James Hughes was named the New York State Magistrate of
the Year in 2024, which is the highest honor awarded by the New York
State Magistrates Association; and
WHEREAS, In his free time, James Hughes enjoyed fitness, running,
marathons, and working out early in the morning at his local YMCA; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his professional endeavors, James Hughes was
a proud member of the Clifton Park Elks Lodge No. 2466, and he was an
active participant in the Town of Clifton Park Youth Court, where he
mentored local youth; and
WHEREAS, James Hughes' commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his career and lifetime, James Hughes earned the
respect and admiration of law enforcement, attorneys, friends, family,
and all who appeared before him in the courtroom; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, James Hughes leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Justice James Hughes, distinguished citizen,
accomplished judge, and devoted member of his community; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Justice James Hughes.
