James Joseph Doherty

James Joseph Doherty, affectionately known as Jim, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, at the age of 80. Born in Detroit to the late Leo and Bernice Doherty, Jim was preceded in death on November 1, 2025, by his beloved wife of 57 years, JoAnn Lucy Doherty (nee Grossi) (https://guestbook.wujekcalcaterra.com/obituaries/joann-doherty/#!/TributeWall) .

Jim leaves behind his three children, Kevin (Hillary) Doherty, Colleen (Timothy) Lauster, and Carrie (James) Morris, as well as his six grandchildren Camden and Ian Doherty, Megan, Kathryn, and Grace Lauster, and Patrick Morris. He is also survived by his siblings, Mary Jane Cavanaugh, William (Cynthia) Doherty, Lynda Doherty, and Maureen (Dennis) Poker, along with many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a host of caring relatives. His brother, L. Edward Doherty, sister, Kathleen Doherty, sister-in-law, Irene Delores (Dee) Doherty, and brother-in-law, Lawrence Cavanaugh, predeceased him.

A strong believer in the power of education, Jim was a dedicated alum of De La Salle Collegiate. He went on to complete a tool and die apprenticeship and to work for many years as a machinist and boring mill operator before and after serving in the Army during the Vietnam War as an MP. While working full time and parenting three children, Jim utilized the GI Bill to major in business at Wayne State University. He retired from a successful career as a cost estimator in the auto industry and enjoyed the opportunity to earn his MBA while working for Ford.

Jim had a gift for helping those who struggled with math and enjoyed teaching mathematics at the community college. He was a patient teacher and mentor at home, in the classroom, and on the job. Jim enjoyed sharing how he saved his employers substantial amounts of money on special projects. His children appreciated his shrewd negotiation skills as well and often consulted him before making their own major purchases. Jim was also a DIY enthusiast willing to lend a hand to help his children, parents, or in-laws tackle projects at their own homes.

Jim cherished his role as father and grandfather. He and JoAnn found immense joy in attending children's and grandchildren's sporting events and activities and enjoyed treating the participants to Slurpees or special snacks afterwards. The children and grandchildren have wonderful memories of special outings along with trips "Up North" involving fishing, ziplining, and tubing.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Sunday January11th from 3-8pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). Instate Monday January 12th 9:30 am until time of 10am Mass at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, 48115 Schoenherr (N. of 21 Mile Rd.), Shelby Township. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township. Please share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" at WujekCalcaterra.com

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lasallian Fund are appreciated. They can be made online at (https://www.delasallehs.com/support-de-la-salle/lasallian-fund) or by sending a check to De La Salle Collegiate at 14600 Common Road, Warren, MI 48088.