Thomas James Hough, Jr.

Thomas James (Jim) Hough , Jr., Esq., beloved husband, father and grandfather, died on April 14, 2026, after a brief illness with his family by his side.

Born in Greensboro, North Carolina on July 13, 1945, he was the son of the late Thomas James Hough, Sr. and Mary Adele Preston Hough.

Following graduation from Wadesboro (N.C.) High School, he attended North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

He then joined the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War in the 20th Engineering Brigade achieving the rank of sergeant first class.

Following his military service, he earned his Juris Doctor summa cum laude from the former Woodrow Wilson School of Law in Atlanta. He was admitted to the bar in November 1972 and was a long-time member of the State Bar of Georgia.

As a personal injury and workers’ compensation attorney, he believed fiercely that everyone deserved access to good legal representation. He served as a member of the board of directors of Vet to Vet of Georgia and was a trusted advisor to countless numbers of veterans and helped them find comfort, aid and care through the organization.

Jim will be remembered fondly for his love of music, especially playing the guitar and singing with his family. He enjoyed dining out in restaurants, good movies and a great conversation. His sense of humor and sharp wit were unmatched!

Above all things, Jim loved his family. To his family, he was the center of everything. His jokes, puns and stories brought so much joy to everyday life, and his protective spirit made them feel that everything would always work out. Most importantly, he made everyone feel that there was no limit to their abilities. He knew how to show compassion in a way that very few people are able to do.

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he was a devoted follower of Christ who spent countless hours reading, praying and studying the Word of God. He could find truth everywhere and inspired everyone who crossed his path to see God working in their life. Jim had an unshakable belief in the power of positive thought and believed that God was present in all things. He lived his life inspired by the love of God.

Jim is survived by the love of his life, Donna Ruth Shreve Hough, his wife of 57 years, whom he married on June 8, 1968. Partners in every sense of the word, together they raised four daughters and made homes in Marietta and later Cartersville, Georgia. They loved to travel to the beach, the mountains, Walt Disney World and everywhere in between.

His memory will be cherished by his daughters Elizabeth Ketner of Brunswick, Maine; Scarlet Marie Buckley (Jeff) of Athens, Ga.; Shannan Leigh Hough of Atlanta; and, Mary Beth Benson (Chad) of Cartersville. Also, by his grandchildren Oliver Buckley, Alex Buckley, Elliott Ketner, Ingrid Ketner, Sparrow Benson and Finn Benson.

Predeceased by his parents, he is survived by siblings Terry Hough of Matthews, N.C., Anne Hannon of Wilmington, N.C. and Marie Hough of Thomasville, N.C.

To honor Jim’s memory, you are invited to make a donation in his name to Vet to Vet of Georgia, P.O. Box 151, Cassville, GA 30123, or by Venmo to @Vet2VetofGa.

Funeral services will be private with a celebration of life scheduled to be held in the future.