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James Doherty Obituary
James "Jim" William Doherty, 74, of Bernville, passed away Saturday, Sept. 29 at his home in Jefferson Township.
He is survived by his wife, Susan (Fischer) Doherty.
James was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 14, 1938, the son of the late Margaret (Kreth) and James Harrison Doherty.
He is survived by five children: Susan Elizabeth, wife of Ric Walmer, of Bernville, PA, James William Jr., husband of Crystal (Brown) of Cibolo, TX, John Patrick, husband of Karen (Schrack) of Bernville, PA, Daniel Scott of Bernville, PA, and Kathleen Anne, wife of C. Chris Failla, Jacksonville, FL.
He is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Jeffry James Stamm, husband of Amy (Messner) of Marysville, CA, Stacy Sue, wife of Jeremy Stover of Oceanside, CA, Shane Patrick and Kris Henri Walmer of Bernville, PA, Abriana Marjory Doherty of Cibolo, TX, Erin Paige and Alec Patrick Doherty of Bernville, PA, Daniel Stephen and Shannon Marie Doherty of Bernville, PA, James Vincent, Michael Aidan and Matthew Charles Failla of Jacksonville, FL.
There is one step-grand-daughter, Lynne Sechler of Hamburg.
Additional survivors include five great-grand-children: Austin Charles and Gavin James Stover of Oceanside, CA, and Landry Elise, Cohen Michael, and Colin James Stamm of Marysville, CA. There are three stepgreat-grandchildren: Jayven, Marcus and Isaiah Sechler of Hamburg.
There is also an aunt, many cousins and nephews and acquired son, Kenneth Mengel, Bethel, PA.
He was predeceased by his sister, Evelyn Barsh Doherty, his daughter, Marjory Lynn Doherty, and his
grandson, Jacob Chris-topher Failla.
Jim graduated from Mid-wood High School and attended Pratt Institute, both in Brooklyn, New York. At age 12 he started appren-ticing with his father, an electrical contractor. As a Journeyman, he was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 143 until his retirement in 1999, and worked out of I.B.E.W. Locals 25, 361, 364, 375, 380, 414 and 743. He worked on the construction of Three Mile Island and Limerick Power Plants.
He was a member of St. Thomas Church, Bernville, PA; Mount Pleasant Fire Company and the Heidelberg Country Club.
Moving to Pennsylvania in 1965, he remodeled an 1828 Union Canal House in Penn Township which was the family home until the Blue Marsh Dam Project forced a move. He then constructed a new home in Jefferson Township with the help of his wife and children and he was most proud of that.
He enjoyed traveling with his wife and they saw much of the United States, including Hawaii, where they renewed their vows for their 50th wedding anniversary; and Alaska; Germany; Ireland; the Azores Islands of Portugal and numerous sea cruises.
He was a loving husband and a devoted father and will be sadly missed by his family.
Funeral services will be Saturday, Oct. 6 at Kirkhoff Funeral Home, 206 N. Main St., Bernville, PA at 11 a.m. Pastor Matt Saxinger of Christ Evangelical Free Church will officiate. Interment will immediately follow at St. Thomas Cemetery, Bernville, PA. Friends and Family will be received on this evening from 7 to 9 p.m. or one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made in Jim's Mem-ory to: Tulpehocken Mem-orial Scholarship, T.A.S.D. Bus. Office, 27 Rehrersburg Road, Bethel, PA 19507 or to the Uniformed Services Organization "USO" at P.O. Box 96860, Washington. D.C. 20077-7677. (www.-uso.org.)
For obituary, directions, or to make online condolences please visit: www.kirkhofffuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Doherty
Jimmy Doherty
September 29, 2025
I miss you Dad! Rarely a day goes by without me thinking of you. I miss our talks and your advice on life. I'm so thankful for everything I learned from you. Until we meet again...
Ken Murray
September 28, 2025
I , fondly, think of my good friend and his family often
Chris Failla
September 28, 2025
Thinking of you!
Ken Murray
September 27, 2024
We shared good times together!
Ken Murray
September 27, 2023
Dear Friend: I think of you and your family often. As part of my past, our time together is heald close to my heart.
Ken Murray
September 27, 2022
Jimmy was a lifelong friend. I miss his company.
Loretta Mills
November 4, 2012
Jim, I remember when we met, we were all teenages back in Brooklyn and what a long journey over the years. Brooklyn to Alanta, Centerich, Dallas, Amarillo, Rockford, Reading and finally Bernville. Your passing brings back such memories and at the end it all seems like it's been done to soon.
Kris and Shane Walmer
November 1, 2012
Where can we start with our favorite memory of Grandpa Doherty? We lived with him and Grandma Doherty for a time when we moved back to PA from FL in Nov. 2000. That first real snowfall of the winter he came out of the house and helped us build a giant snowman. He used to come to The King's Academy's "Grandparents Luncheon" to sit with us every year. He promoted our Irish heritage. He talked to us, listened to us, worried about us, and let us know when he was proud of something we'd accomplished. He never missed an opportunity to hug, kiss, or tell us that he loved us. Rest in peace Grandpa. I will miss you. We all will miss you.
November 1, 2012
November 1, 2012
I am so thankful and honored to be your Grandson. You have been such a loving and caring person for not only me but to all of your family and friends. I will miss your hugs and kisses, but will always remember how they felt. I will forever be indebted to you for everything you have showed me and done for me throughout my years. You will be missed but never forgotten. I love you.
Jeffry Stamm
Marnell Yedlin
October 25, 2012
My sincere sympathy goes out to Susan & the entire family. So glad we all had a chance to get together in Florida. I know my dad, Bill (Cliff) & mom, Louise certainly enjoyed the visits too. I will miss you, cousin Jim. May you rest in peace.
Donna Waterman
October 21, 2012
My sincere condolences to cousin Sue and the family. I'm so glad I was able to visit for Aunt Betty's service and catch up with Jimmy and Sue. You two have had a lifetime of love which will continue on I'm sure.
Ken & Sylvia Murray
October 21, 2012
Jim and I go back to Kindergarten at Public School 203, Brooklyn and continued our friendship through High School. It was an honor to be his best man at his wedding to Sue. Our friendship was re-united about 12 years ago and remains to date. We have had some interesting reunions over the years and our time with him and Sue to Hawaii will long be remembered. I miss my lifelong dear friend. Our prayers are with you and all your family.
Charles (Chris) Failla
October 21, 2012
My heart is broken over this tragedy and my family and I miss you every day. You are a major influence to us all and we will never forget you. The memories and advice alone you have given me over the years will be passed on to my children and beyond. You are best father-in-law one could ever ask for and we will miss you dearly. I look forward to seeing you in the future.
The Failla's
Chris, James, Michael, & Matthew
Sonny and Dolly Kreth
October 18, 2012
Jimmy: There are many gifts that you bestowed on all you touched. Strenth of both character and family, A sense of solidness and peace. On a personal side you were a great audience for my sillyness. But I think above all your ability to share loving spirit ranks highest.
Rest peacefully my cousin
As ever Sonny
Richard MIlls
October 18, 2012
Uncle Jim, you and your family have been my anchor in the stormy sea of life. I am glad to have shared such preciuos times together and will continue to share many more as our families continue their voyage to the next destination. May "Fair winds and Following seas" guide us all home.
October 17, 2012
Dear Grandpa, you were one of the most compassionate, whole-hearted, good-natured people I have ever been lucky enough to come across in my life. I can still remember my early childhood with you and all of the memories I've grown to love about you. You always knew just how to put a smile on my face and your vivid spirit touched so many lives. I will never forget our last phone call, although I wish I could've gotten to record your voice so I could always go back and hear it. You were and always will be the best grandfather anyone could ever possibly have. I will forever keep in my heart all of the fond, heart-warming memories I have of you and I look forward to the day I can tell my children about what a wonderful man you were. I love you Grandpa, you will forever be in my heart. Love, Abriana Marjory.
Mark and Cathy Rioux
October 16, 2012
May your memories live on forever in those you left behind Mr D.......you were dearly loved by family and friends...May peace be with all who were fortunate enough to know you
Chuck & Maggie Failla
October 9, 2012
Jim was an honest and devoted man and will be dearly missed by our family.
Kathy Doherty
October 7, 2012
Daddy....I miss you so much already! You were the best Dad a girl could ever ask for. I will miss your sense of humor, your sarcastic wit, your laughter, your constant presence, your many hugs and kisses....and your never-ending love. I am so blessed that my children each had a chance to know and be loved by such a kind, caring, gentle grandfather. You will be with me always in my heart...forevermore. Love you much, Kathy
I will forever be a "Daddy's girl".
October 7, 2012
Richard and Patti Yoing
Lisa Nyce
October 6, 2012
My thought & prayers are with you family.
Tina (Care) Gring
October 5, 2012
Sending my heartfelt condolences to the family. May your memories provide comfort in the days ahead.
Cindy and Scott Messner
October 5, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family in your time of grief. As you recall your many good memories, we pray for you to lean on The God of great comfort and love.
Alan,Holly,Kelsey, Dalton Boltz
October 4, 2012
The Doherty Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. May all your fond memories of your husband, dad, grandfather and friend stay strong in your hearts. Although Jim is not present, he will always be watching over you. God bless
Downs Family
October 4, 2012
Thoughts and prayers to the Doherty family at this time of sorrow. Remember all the happy times you spent together as a great family and may the memories comfort you.
Sue & Ric Walmer
October 4, 2012
My father, my friend. The time we spent together was a lifetime, yet not enough. The wonderful memories and times we shared will sustain us in the days ahead. God was so good when he gave me you as my Dad. I could not have asked for a better one.
October 3, 2012
Our sincerest sympathy to the Doherty family; It was honor to have met Mr. and Mrs. Doherty two years ago during their visit with our good friends Jimmy, Crystal and Abreana. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Sincerely the Kornegay family: Tom, Maggie, Julienne, Dawson and Reese.
Jerry and Beth Gibson
October 3, 2012
Our condolences to the Doherty family. Our thoughts and prayers to all and may your memories and the Lord above help comfort you. Jerry and Beth Gibson, Cibolo, TX
October 3, 2012
Our Love and prayers go out to the Doherty family. Jim was amazing!! He Always made you feel like you were family!!! He will be sadly missed by all.
Richard & Debra Maus
George Field
October 3, 2012
My heart goes out to the whole Doherty family. I had the honor of knowing Jim since I was 15 and will always have a special place in my heart.
October 3, 2012
We wish to send our deepest Condolences to the Doherty family, lucille althouse and mr. and mrs. Snyder
Cynthia Stewart
October 3, 2012
Jim was one of the nicest men I've ever known. He will be so dearly missed.
Carl and Emily Weaver
October 3, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the Dohertys, Walmers, Jeffry and Stacy and the entire family. What a wonderful family man Jim was. May you all be comforted by the many memories in your hearts.
Debbie Fernandez
October 3, 2012
My condolences to all the family of one of my WW leaders, whom I call my friend...Stacy Stover. May you all find comfort in the memories you all hold in your hearts of this amazing man. God Bless you all. <3
Stacy Stover
October 3, 2012
I will forever cherish the time I had with my Grandfather, and I am so blessed to have so many fond memories to share of him. I was lucky enough to have a "young grandfather" who would flip me upside down and have me "Dance on the Ceiling" with him. He used his electrician background to help us with school science fair projects and we always felt so loved by him. He was a "constant" to me in an ever so changing life. So many good times with family and friends were had at the house that he built and made alongside my Grandma into a home. I will miss him so much but I know he is in Heaven with those Irish Eyes smiling down at all of us.
Robert McClean
October 3, 2012
Jim was my best and closest friend. We knew each other since first grade.I was fortunate to see him two days before he passed. I owe him so much.
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love him and miss him always.
Jim is in my prayers every day.
Mom, Abriana, Jim Jr., Crystal, Dad
Jim Doherty Jr.
October 3, 2012
My father was hardworking, strong, loving, and gentle. He loved his family and was deeply devoted to my mother and five siblings. I will miss my father dearly, but I will treasure his memory forever.
Sharon Roeder
October 3, 2012
I wish to extend my condolences to the family,he was a great man I will miss my visits with him. Hoping you find peace with all the good memories you have.Thinking of all of you!Love Sharon
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