Jimmie Archie Hughes

Jimmie Archie Hughes, 79, returned home to his Heavenly Father November 19, 2019 at his home in Bunkerville, NV after a long battle with cancer. Jimmie lived a life brimming with adventures and opportunities that might have seemed impossible for a kid from Mesquite, Nevada. Jimmie was born February 21, 1940, the first child of Archie Elmer and Anna Brotherson Hughes. Jimmie was a natural leader and always seemed to rise to the center in everything from a casual conversation to leadership in both religious and secular settings. Jimmie was one of the first Eagle Scouts in Virgin Valley and continued to be involved with scouting throughout his life. After high school Jimmie attended College of Southern Utah (Now SUU) for two years before serving 30 months, in the North German Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, from 1960-1963. Jimmie excelled as a missionary and served as Assistant to the President. He made many lifelong friends in Germany and returned several times to renew those friendships. After his mission he enrolled at BYU where he received a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with  minors in Economics, Zoology, and German. He was a member of the BYU Rodeo Club and served as the President of the Arizona Club. He met Angeline Minkler from Oregon and they were married February 26, 1966 in the St. George Temple.
Jimmie was never afraid to seize a business opportunity. After graduation from BYU he returned home to operate the family service station business, which expanded to several more stations and a convenience store in the 1970’s. He headed up the family farming business and that eventually evolved into Arvada Game Ranch and Gun Club. He was a talented organizer and through his leadership he could get things done. Jimmie was always involved in local politics. He served as a member of the Mesquite Town Board, he was the Volunteer Fire Department Chief and took EMT training to be prepared to serve on the ambulance crew before Mesquite was incorporated in 1984.  At that time he was elected the first mayor of Mesquite where he served 7 years and helped the little town grow into a thriving city. One outstanding accomplishment was his being instrumental in acquiring the BLM property north of I-15 to open the way for the expansion of the city limits. Just last month the old Virgin Valley School campus was renamed The Jimmie Hughes Campus in his honor.  He served on the board of Las Vegas Convention and Visitor’s Authority and was elected President of the Nevada League of Cities for a term.

Jimmie loved the outdoors. He took many hunting and fishing trips with family, friends and business associates. He was very active in his faith. He served as a Bishop and held many other callings. He and Angie served three and a half years in the St. George Temple. Jimmie loved the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jimmie is preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Ann, his sister LeAnn Potter and his grandson, Logan Michael Owsley. He is survived by his beloved wife, Angie, his six children, Marnie Jo (Mark) McEwen, Bunkerville; Erik Jim (Karli), Las Vegas; Teddi Ann (Mike) Grajek, Kamas, UT; Angela Kay (Mikey) Leavitt, Bunkerville; Nikki Lynn (Adam) Owsley, Bunkerville; and Russell Colt (Josie), Mesquite; his 29 grandchildren and 8 ½  great grandchildren; sister, Tonya (Merlyn) Bigelow and brothers, Kelby (Alyson) Hughes and Lyle (Sarah) Hughes all of Mesquite.

His wit and wisdom will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Jimmie lived a full life. He knew he was greatly blessed. He was extremely proud of his family and their accomplishments. He will be sorely missed by Angie, his family and countless others.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their Guest Book at www.virginvalleymortuary.com.