Sometimes, the most extraordinary people are found in everyday places. James Hughes, known to many as Mr. James, may look like just another cafeteria worker to some at Kennesaw State, but for many KSU students, he is a hero. Though he has only worked here since 2013, Mr. James’ empathetic nature has left a mark like none before him.
Where are you from?
I lived in Philadelphia most of my life and was in 14 foster homes. I was abused by my foster mother and I still had to call her my mother. My father didn’t know half the things that happened to me until I told him seven months ago. He asked me a question about it and I told him, ‘It was a living hell.’ My foster mother’s family ate good, but we didn’t eat what they ate. When they had cereal, they had real milk. When we had cereal, we had boxed milk.
What is your life like outside of KSU?
I live a normal life. When I moved here, my life just changed. I can come outside where I live at now. There’s no shooting. There’s no drug selling. There’s no crime. That’s how I like to live. My wife and I have been together for 27 years and we get along very well. She’s the boss.
What meaningful interactions have you had while working here?
A student came to me and asked, “Do you have anything against gays, Mr. James?” I said, “No.” Then he talked. He said, “I want to come out of my shell.” I said, “Then be you. The more you hold in, the more it hurts.”
What is your favorite part of the job?
The people. Just coming in, watching people smile. Trying to make someone’s day because they had a bad day. I love people. This is one of the first jobs that I can say that I’m recognized.
How does it make you feel when students talk about how much they love you?
I cry. It makes me cry. I know I’m a good person, but, deep inside, I don’t know how good I’ve been to people. I just know I help people.
Have you ever been told that you’re “too nice”?
My wife always tells me I’m too nice. We were out one day and saw a homeless man by the road. I had just won $500 from playing the lottery. I kept $200 at home and put the other $300 in my pocket. So, I didn’t look at the money, I just took it out my pocket and gave it to him. We went to Target a few months later and when we got in line, the cashier looked at me and said, “I remember you!” and pulled out a $100 bill with my name on it. He said, “I knew I was going to run into you again. Can I pay for everything in the cart, sir?” He said he was the guy on the road with the sign. I told him it was around $200. He said, “I have the money now, I didn’t have it before.” Then he said, “May I ask you another thing? Would it be alright if me and you could be friends?” We’re friends to this day. We’ve been friends for a while.
What sort of advice do you give to students?
I tell anybody if you’ve got to sweep the floor, be the best. Never try to be like someone else. I always say, always help someone who can’t help themselves. When you do that, and you’re doing it from your heart, God knows it.
