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Jim Hughes
Mickey Conlon
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Jim Hughes (1943-2026), a towering and beloved Canadian champion of the preborn for over half a century, passed away on the morning of May 18 surrounded by loved ones.
He had endured several health challenges in recent years, including a stroke in March 2025.
Tributes are pouring in for the man who shepherded Campaign Life Coalition, the political arm of the Canadian pro-life movement, for over 34 years as national president before passing the leadership reins to his successor Jeff Gunnarson in late 2018.
Gunnarson penned a poignant missive to the dedicated husband, father and grandfather who was “a mentor and a fatherly presence to so many” he countered.
“His tireless work helped shape, strengthen and mobilize the movement across the country, saving countless lives and inspiring generations of pro-life Canadians,” wrote Gunnarson. “Yet Jim’s impact extended far beyond public leadership. If someone needed help, he would help, often quietly, without recognition and without ever seeking praise.”
Mr. Hughes devoted more than 80 hours a week advocating against abortion during his years actively leading Campaign Life, and remarkably he still devoted more than 60 hours per week to this fight during his retirement years.
He was deemed a great bridge-builder between people and a man who empowered the next generation of pro-life leaders.
Alissa Golob, the co-founder of Right Now, an organization striving to effectuate the election of pro-life MPs, saluted Mr. Hughes for his role in her formation as an advocate.
“Jim gave me my start in the pro-life movement by hiring me right out of university as the Youth Coordinator for Campaign Life Coalition,” wrote Golob on X. “He gave me many amazing opportunities and helped shape me to become the pro-life woman I am today. Although we had our differences, at the end of the day he was an amazing man who wanted to protect babies and is the reason why so many pro-life organizations exist today. He is greatly loved and will be missed.”
During his tenure the Campaign Life mailing list grew from 200 names in 1978 to nearly 200,000 today. He also brought the National March for Life to Ottawa in 1997. And he was active in the political arena by supporting pro-life legislation and lobbying against bills that he deemed did not go far enough in safeguarding life.
Mr. Hughes’ efforts to emulate Jesus was evident in the love he exhibited for figures who espoused pro-choice doctrine. He once told the famous Canadian abortionist Dr. Henry Morgantaler that “I’m still praying for you” during an encounter in a downtown Toronto restaurant.
More to come.
(Amundson is an associate editor and writer for The Catholic Register.)
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