Jack Hughes MD

Durham, NC

November 24, 1919 – August 21, 2025

Dr. Jack Hughes, 105, of Durham, NC, died on August 21, 2025.

Dr. Hughes was born in Tabor City, NC on November 24, 1919, the son of Willa Leon Leggett and David James Hughes. He was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1939) and earned his medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (1944). He was a nationally known urologist practicing in Durham at Lincoln, Watts and Durham Regional Hospitals from 1950 until his retirement in 1988. He also served as an adjunct professor at Duke University and the UNC School of Medicine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Helen Schley of Savannah, GA, brothers Phil (Christine) and Don (Esther), both of Tabor City, sisters Lillian Webster (Willie Brooks) of Fairmont, NC, and Gwen Barnes (Henry) of Raleigh. 

Survivors include wife Scott Tyree Evans Hughes; six children – Dr. John Schley (Patricia Dillon) of New Haven, CT; James Philip of Wilson, NC; Charles MacDonald (Sharon) of Charlottesville, VA; Elizabeth Hughes Hall (Joseph W.) of Gordonsville, VA.; William Leggett (Rebecca Chase) of Vero Beach, FL; Robert Pickens (Catherine) of Atlanta; step-daughter Scottie Chastain (Ben) of Tega Cay, SC; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Dr. Hughes was one of the oldest veterans of D-Day, serving as medical officer with the US Navy as Lieutenant JG at Normandy Beach in June 1944. 

He was active in civic, volunteer and medical organizations at the local, state, regional and national levels. He served as president of the NC Medical Society from 1983 to 1984.  He also was president of the Southeast American Urological Society and the North Carolina chapter of the American College of Surgeons. He was instrumental in the founding of the NC physician-owned HMO, later acquired by Cigna. 

He was a vice president of the Durham Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the board of Durham Operation Breakthrough. He was a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and sang in the choir for more than 40 years. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Hospice of Durham or the charity of your choosing.