Jeffrey Douglas "Jeff" Hughes, age 54, of Morehead, passed away Monday, December 30, 2024, at U.K. Medical Center in Lexington.

Born August 18, 1970, in Martin, Kentucky, he is the son of Brenda Samons Bishop of Morehead and the late Curtis Lee Hughes.  Besides his father, he was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Frank and Mary "Nan" Owens Samons.

In addition to his mother, Jeff is survived by his wife, Anita "Maria" Thompson Hughes, whom he married September 27, 2003; one son, Staff Sergeant Gabriel Hughes stationed in Alaska; one daughter, Rylee Hughes at home; one biological brother, Steven Hughes of Lima, Ohio; a brotherly cousin, Ronnie Bradley of Flat Gap, as well as other extended family and many friends.

After graduation from Allen Central High School in Floyd County, he started his healthcare career as an EMT, then onto a paramedic with Rowan County EMS. He was a member of the   Rowan County Rescue Squad.

Jeff earned his Associate's of Applied Science Degree as a registered respiratory therapist in 1993 and his Bachelors of University Studies Degree in 2021 from Morehead State University. He was currently working on his Master's Degree in healthcare management.

He began his career at UK St. Claire in 1993 as a respiratory therapist and later advanced to serve as UK St. Claire's Director, Cardiopulmonary Services providing oversite to key areas including Respiratory Care Services, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Sleep Center, and Family Medical Supply operations.

Jeff also functioned as UK St. Claire's Administrative Liaison to the UK Gill Affiliate Network, a statewide collaboration led by the University of Kentucky to enhance access to high quality cardiovascular care.

In addition, he led or participated on various committees including: Primary Heart Attack Certification from The Joint Commission; Sleep Lab accreditation from American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM); and Homecare accreditation from The Joint Commission.

During the Covid Response, Jeff played a key role including operations, mobilization, and coordination with the Army National Guard.

He was an avid outdoorsman and had a passion for fishing. Jeff was the creator and operator of Appalachian Outdoor Network and was a fishing guide for Crash's Landing. He loved to fish at Cave Run Lake and Lake St. Clair in Michigan.  Most of all, he was loving and devoted husband and father. He will be greatly missed and remembered by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will he held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, with Chris Feller and Medley Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Thompson Family Cemetery, 2426 State Hwy 1654, Rush, KY 41168.

Pallbearers:  Gabriel Hughes, Ronnie Bradley, Darren Conn, Robbie Click, Nathan Shelton, and Doug Samons.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2025, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

View memorial tribute or sign guest book at www.northcuttandson.com.