James Oliver "Dobba" Hughes

James Oliver Hughes affectionately known as “Dobba” born on July 17, 1950 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late James Hughes Sr. and Mary Hughes. Dobba is one of four children born to this union. Dobba departed this life on November 23, 2020 with his children, siblings, nieces, and companion lovingly by his side. 

Dobba grew up in the Hill District and attended Fifth Avenue High School. He eventually graduated from Connelley Vocational High School. In his late teens, Dobba moved to Homewood to live with his father the late James Hughes Sr. where he met lifetime friends Lucky and Charlie.

Dobba a jokey provider for his immediate and extended family welcomed his first child and only daughter LaShell with Laverne Reese in 1970. In 1972 Dobba joined Sharon Campbell in holy matrimony and from this union are James Terrell Hughes and Ronnell Dion Hughes. His son James Terrell Hughes preceded Dobba in death.

Dobba began his formal work career at McConway and Torley manufacturing. Shortly after, Dobba transitioned to the City of Pittsburgh Environmental department where he worked for over 20 years. Upon leaving the City of Pittsburgh, Dobba held a variety of odd jobs until his untimely death.

Dobba a good-humored family man garnered his unique nickname from his Sister Cheryl (Diane) Hughes. As legend has it, Diane as a young toddler could not properly enunciate Dobba’s name James Oliver. Lost in translation Diane called him Aba Dobba which morphed into the name he is affectionately known as “Dobba.” This nickname embodies the formal sir James Oliver’s character, distinctive voice, laughter, and smile. This name is personified with his popular outgoing personality and jokester spirit enjoyed by all especially children. Dobba epitomizes the phrase “never met a stranger” as he is well known throughout the City of Pittsburgh. 

Dobba is preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Hughes, and his eldest son James Terrell Hughes. Dobba leaves to cherish his memories: daughter, LaShell (Shellie) Reese-Allen and husband Wayne; son: Ronnell Dion Hughes; 6 grandchildren: Haylee Yates, Andree Yates, Tyler Crenshaw, Sarah Hughes, Elijah Smith and Jaiya Hughes; 2 great-grandchildren: Kai Crenshaw and Mila Crenshaw; sisters: Diane Hughes and Alberta Hughes; brother: Dennis Hughes; loving companion, Char Ellis and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends who became Dobba’s extended family.

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