Michael James Hughson was born July 30, 1960, in Manistique, Michigan, to Victor Hughson and Beverly Gregurash.  Michael grew up in Albion, Michigan, and his family moved to Bellaire, Michigan, in the middle of his junior year of high school, where he graduated from Bellaire High School in 1979.  He attended Northwestern Michigan College and earned a degree in commercial art. Michael was self-employed and his businesses included "Signs from Interlochen" and "North Frankfort Antiques." He was an extremely gifted artist and loved his work with antiques.

Michael married Narda McNitt in 1988 and they had a son, Lucas.  He lived fully and took joy in family and work. He died unexpectedly Friday, September 1, 2000 after being struck by lightning.

Michael’s sister, Vicki Hughson (Shoemaker) was also in the class of 79.