Jay William Hughes

Jay W. Hughes, age 66, of Preston, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

A Celebration of Jay’s life will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Dawson Funeral Services in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Jay was born on February 10, 1960, in Maquoketa, Iowa, the son of Merlin “Mick” Hughes and Virginia (Mohr) Hughes. He graduated from Delwood High School in 1978. Jay was united in marriage to Sherri Edleman on July 11, 1981, in Delmar, Iowa. Together they shared 44 years of marriage and raised two children, Ashlee and Austin. 

Jay retired from Alcoa after many years of dedicated employment. He was a proud member of the Preston Lions Club, where he especially enjoyed cooking for their popular breakfasts and helping with Preston Days celebrations. 

Jay’s greatest joy was his family and being a ‘Papa’. He loved watching his grandchildren participate in their activities and spending time with them. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs, and Denver Broncos. In the summer months, Jay enjoyed golfing with his children or a variety of golfing buddies. 

Jay is survived by his loving wife, Sherri Hughes, of Preston; his children, Ashlee (Scott) Jess of Bellevue, Iowa, and Austin (Bethany) Hughes of Epworth, Iowa; five grandchildren, Cambree, Kylee, Hattie, Caroline, and Drake; his mother, Virginia Hughes, of Preston; his brothers, Lynn (Julie) Hughes of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Chris Hughes of Maquoketa, Iowa; his sister, Lori Skrivseth of Preston, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Jan Teramae and Pam Teramae, both of Coralville, Iowa; brother-in-law, Bill (Lynne) Edleman of Charles City, Missouri; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Merlin “Mick” Hughes; his parents-in-law, Donald and Lois Edleman; his siblings, Dwain Morehead and Barry Hughes; his nephew, Cale; a sister-in-law, Tracey Hughes and brother-in-law, Ritch Skrivseth. 

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dawsonfuneral.com. Cards of condolences may be directed to Dawson Funeral Services Po Box 258 Wyoming, Iowa 52362. Memorials may be directed to the family in his honor.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.