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By CINDY CUMINS
RjipysthaiMock News Staff Writer
There's nothing unusual about celebrating your first birthday. That is, of course, unless you’re 89 years did.
When James Hughes marked his achievement ol 89 years of life last Friday, June 16, relatives gathered to celebrate not just an 89 birthday, but those 88 birthdays which proceeded it, al what one family member said was to be Hughes "first real birthday.”
Born in Gid Brown Hollow, the son of Robert and Lizzie Hughes, "Uncle Jimmie,” as Hughes is referred to by friends and family alike, has lived in Rappahannock most of his life. Though living for times in Harrisburg, Pa. and parts of West Virginia, he’s never failed to return home—the place he says he wants to be most. He lives in the hollow still with Vivian Gatewood and her family, his home for the past 20 years.
Coming from a large family during difficult times, Hughes’ childhood ended early. Leaving home at 10 to live with the Jim Racer family, he began his work in farming. When not doing farmwork, he worked with lime kilns until he finally retired just 15 years ago. Those days he recalls as particularly hard times he says, when a full day’s work might bring nothing more than 50 cents. Now he’s content “just to take it easy.”
As a child, Uncle Jimmie remembers the short time he was able to attend school at what is now John Burke’s Baptist Church. One related incident comes vividly to his mind.
Skipping school under the pretense of being sick was a ploy which Jim’s friends successfully practiced. Tempted himself, young Jim decided to give it a try. Pleased with the success of his first attempt, he decided to try again the next day, but the result this time was a little less than hoped for. A confrontation with his mother resulted in a few relays around the house and a final thrashing which left a lasting impression on Jim.
Coming to the overwhelming conclusion that good certainly overpowers bad, he decided to reform his ways. Now when asked what advice he’d pass on to the young. Hughes answers simply, “Be good,” a premise he claims he’s tried to live by ever since. Other than his wife Mary who died in 1950, Hughes has three loves: checkers, horseshoe pitching and children. Though now unable to enjoy the first two, he pursues the latter eagerly and the many nieces and nephews with whom he lives reciprocate wholeheartedly. As he speaks, 2 year old William Henery Rector Jr. finds his way easily to his uncle’s lap where he looks very much at home. Pulling
Sunset Vespers
The Reverend James M. John, Pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia will be the guest speaker of the Sunset Vesper Services on Sunday, July 9th at the Carillon in Luray at 8:30 p.m. A carillon recital by Charles Chapman will begin at 8 p.m. preceeding the services. In case of rain the services following the carillon recital will be held at Luray United Methodist Church, Main Street in Luray.
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