In memory of
James Richard Hugo
February 19, 1934 - May 19, 2026
James Richard Hugo, age 92, of Oakville, Ontario, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, after a long period of illness. Born on February 19, 1934, in Newmarket, Ontario, he was the cherished only child of the late Herbert and Catherine Hugo.
James "Jim" grew up surrounded by family and friends and excelled academically, while he enjoyed playing hockey and baseball as a child. His love of baseball continued with the Toronto Blue Jays, and he was cheering them on through his final days. He developed a strong passion for languages and studied Latin, French and German. Jim went to university at the tender age of 17, where he continued his study of languages and accounting. He graduated from St. Michael's College at University of Toronto, where he met many friends and eventually his wife, Susan. He went on to build a fulfilling career as a High School teacher at North Albion Collegiate in Etobicoke where he taught French, German and bookkeeping. Beyond his professional achievements, Jim began studying piano later in his youth and completed his Royal Conservatory levels. He enjoyed playing and writing classical, jazz and modern music for family and friends.
He was devoted to his late wife, Susan, and cared for her during her final surgeries and illness. As a father and teacher, he enjoyed long beautiful summers off playing baseball, catch with his children at his beloved cottage on the shores of Balm Beach, Georgian Bay. Jim was predeceased by his wife, Susan Caroline (nee Muldoon). He is survived and will be dearly missed by his children, Angela Smythe (Dieter; and Dieter's children, Liam (Heather) and Andrew (Meghan)), Paul (Adriana), and Melanie Testani (Marc; and their children, Tara Blauel (Mike), Daniel (Andrea Chiu), Caroline, and Peter); and his great-grandchildren, Michael and Hailey Blauel.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. A private interment will take place at Queen of Heaven in Woodbridge, Ontario, where he will be laid to rest with his wife, Susan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Charity of Your Choice.
James "Jim" grew up surrounded by family and friends and excelled academically, while he enjoyed playing hockey and baseball as a child. His love of baseball continued with the Toronto Blue Jays, and he was cheering them on through his final days. He developed a strong passion for languages and studied Latin, French and German. Jim went to university at the tender age of 17, where he continued his study of languages and accounting. He graduated from St. Michael's College at University of Toronto, where he met many friends and eventually his wife, Susan. He went on to build a fulfilling career as a High School teacher at North Albion Collegiate in Etobicoke where he taught French, German and bookkeeping. Beyond his professional achievements, Jim began studying piano later in his youth and completed his Royal Conservatory levels. He enjoyed playing and writing classical, jazz and modern music for family and friends.
He was devoted to his late wife, Susan, and cared for her during her final surgeries and illness. As a father and teacher, he enjoyed long beautiful summers off playing baseball, catch with his children at his beloved cottage on the shores of Balm Beach, Georgian Bay. Jim was predeceased by his wife, Susan Caroline (nee Muldoon). He is survived and will be dearly missed by his children, Angela Smythe (Dieter; and Dieter's children, Liam (Heather) and Andrew (Meghan)), Paul (Adriana), and Melanie Testani (Marc; and their children, Tara Blauel (Mike), Daniel (Andrea Chiu), Caroline, and Peter); and his great-grandchildren, Michael and Hailey Blauel.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. A private interment will take place at Queen of Heaven in Woodbridge, Ontario, where he will be laid to rest with his wife, Susan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Charity of Your Choice.