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James Doherty Obituary

James John Doherty

August 26, 1928 - September 18, 2014

Without harbinger or warning, James John Doherty died in his sleep on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014. Born in San Francisco to James and Margaret Doherty, Jim attended Epiphany Grammar, Balboa H.S., and USF. After college, Jim enlisted in the Navy and served 4 years as a pilot, mainly on the USS Midway. An avid golfer, Jim was a 50 year member of the Olympic Club and also the Peninsula Golf and Country Club. After his military service, Jim returned to San Francisco, and very soon, on a Sunday in springtime, at Holy Name, met Gloria Edith Rohrs. They married at Carmel Mission and settled in the Sunset District. Together they had five children: James (Liz), Peter (Mary), Karen, John (Jennifer), and Michael (Anika) - and 12 grandchildren, Lindsey (Stephen), Sean, David, Matthew, Kathryn, Christine, Jordan, Nathan, Evan, Ryan, Laine, Solomon - and one great-granddaughter, Gracelyn.

In 1970, Jim and Gloria moved their family to Hillsborough, with Jim continuing his work in Real Estate, syndication, and development in San Francisco before relocating his office to Burlingame. Gloria, his dear and beloved wife of 48 years, predeceased him in 2005; his only sister, Helyn Farron, passed away in 2011. While on the Peninsula, Jim sent his sons to Serra HS and was fortunate even in seeing two of his grandchildren graduate from Serra - Matthew ('13) and Jordan ('14) Doherty.

Jim met Jan Abrams, a woman of profound charm and beauty, who was to him the "second chapter of love in my life, someone who reached her loving hand into mine for which I will forever be grateful." They joined their lives together, traveling near and far.

Jim is survived by his five children, his eight nieces and nephews, his twelve grandchildren, and one great-grandchild-all of whom hold him in the most tender affection and the highest esteem. He was a man of his time who embodied the place from which he came, the faith in which he believed, and the family for whom he lived.

A Rosary/Vigil will be held at 6:30 pm Friday, October 3, at the CROSBY - N. GRAY & CO. Funeral Home, 2 Park Road, Burlingame, and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 am Saturday, October 4, at St. Catherine's Church, 1310 Bayswater, Burlingame.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the SF Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund or your favorite charity preferred.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Sep. 28 to Sep. 29, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for James Doherty

23 Entries

John Conneely

October 20, 2014

Dear John, Mike, and Siblings,
My sincere condolences for the loss of your Dad. He always treated me with the utmost kindness and always greeted me with a big smile and a firm Irish handshake. A true genuine, stand-up guy. May he live in your hearts forever and may he rest in eternal peace.

Jay Forsell

October 9, 2014

John, Mike, and all the Dohertys, sorry for your loss, I remember riding with your dad to Serra summer basketball games and the get togethers at the house, he always made me feel welcomed. Prayers and good thoughts to your family.

Page Crandall

October 4, 2014

Jim Great guy and good friend. See you soon.

October 3, 2014

I deeply regret the loss of this great guy. Back to our days at USF to our time working in the Mission, to our great times as seniors at the Olympic Club Golf Tournaments, Jim was always the same. He was funny, competitive and crazy at times. Though age has resulted in not seeing each other as much, it was a joy when our paths crossed.

The way Jim cared for Gloria (my wife's clasmate)proved to all what a real man is made of and all who knew him admired him, for just being him. The Jesuits will offer Mass for his kind soul. We are grateful for his friendship and send our condolences to his family

Jack and Joan Goodwin
Napa

Kaaren Smith

October 2, 2014

When I met Jim I was given the answer to the wonderful young man, John, my daughter,Jennifer was dating and later married. What a father figure! A kind, generous and devoted man first to his wife, Gloria, and then his five children who have turned out to be fantastic adults. He also reached out to all he could help and was a true friend and gentleman and a human being of great example to all and to be admired forever! Thankfully he will live on through his very extended family which includes our grandchildren. Thank you Jim and Gloria. Much love. Kaaren

Lynn Doherty Stinebugh

September 30, 2014

Irish Jim Doherty. Doherty is the greatest name; My Dad Michael Doherty knew Jim well. My sympathy to the Family.

emily Powell

September 30, 2014

How sad to say goodbye to Jimmy, but what a blessing to have known him through our 'growing-up days" at Balboa High. I rooted for him when he donned #17 basketball shirt in 1944 and 1945. He was All-City (and always forever more -- "All-Balboa". He is a member of the prestigious Balboa Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1945 (Bal vs S.I.) is was said "With five seconds
to play, Doherty tanked a forty-footer, winning the game. Needless to say, this hero of the contest was carried off the court by his teammates." Whenever Balboa and its alumni association needed help, Jimmy supported our "Legends Athletic Memorial Fund", which helped buy bats, balls and more for Balboa. Jimmy also, along with friend Frank Ingersoll, kept the Balboa Legends Golf Tournament going for two years. It always good to see Jim at the Balboa Old Geezers luncheons. Balboa High, our community and the world is a better place because Jim Doherty was here.

Dennis Carmassi

September 30, 2014

I will miss Mr. Doherty very much. He touched us in so many ways as kids growing up in the Hillsborough neighborhood. I will always remember his zest for life, generosity and incredible sense of humor. I will always fondly reminisce our Monday Night Football dinners with our Dads every year (Mr. Doherty, Mr. Dwyer and my Dad... Mr. Carmassi)so the three University of San Francisco Legends could talk about their Good Ole Days and hilarious stories & memories. You will never be forgotten. RIP!

September 30, 2014

Jim was one of the great men and wonderful fother and fellow Olympian. He will be missed by his many,many friends.

Bill Beasley

Keith Mathews

September 30, 2014

We are measured by what we have wrought. And this elegant man has left a lasting legacy in his children. Michael, to you and all yours, heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father.

Ken FLOWER

September 29, 2014

My warmest regards to all of his Family...a longtime friend, he was a real Man of The City and it was always a true pleasure running into him. RIP !

September 29, 2014

Celeste Farron

September 29, 2014

I have never known a better man than my "Uncle Jimmy". He was a wonderful and loving brother to my mother and a loving uncle. I loved him immensely. I hope my cousins find comfort in their good fortune to have had him as a Dad. Good-bye, Uncle Jimmy - Until we meet again. oxox Celeste

Tim Desmond & family

September 29, 2014

To all of the extended Doherty family we wish to pass on our condolences and our thoughts and prayers. Jim was a great man and his legacy is continued through his children.
God Bless the Doherty's one and all.

Jack Galbraith

September 29, 2014

So sorry to here of the passing of Mr. Doherty. A kind man who helped make my employment at Lakeside a real pleasure. My sincere sympathy to his family --- Jack Galbraith

September 29, 2014

Sympathy for the family of Jim Doherty.
A first class gentleman.

Louis S Davis Olympic Club (retired)

James Merchant

September 29, 2014

Mr. Doherty was great to have as a next-door neighbor growing up. Always something fun going on there! I appreciate the way he included me on a lot of the events and trips with his family. Please accept my condolences and my thoughts are with you.

Angus MacLean

September 29, 2014

Mr. Doherty as I knew him was a great family man who led by example. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Doherty family.

The Andreattas

September 29, 2014

Thinking of your family and knowing that your loving memories will bring you peace and comfort

Paul Ford

September 29, 2014

If his youngest son, Michael, is any measure of James Doherty, what a splendid man, husband, and father he must have been. I pray blessings on him and his whole family.

Jennifer Doherty

September 28, 2014

I was lucky enough to have Jim as my Father in law. He was an amazing man, tremendous father, and a loving husband. Watching his devotion to his wife was something very special to witness. A true love affair. I feel very fortunate that Jim passed on his loving ways to his son John. I reap the benefits everyday and Jim's legacy will never be forgotten. With all my love, Jennifer

Janelle Becerra

September 28, 2014

We were so sorry to hear of Jim's sudden death. He was a wonderful father and role model. Joe and I are traveling and sorry we won't be able to attend his services. Our condolences to all the Doherty family. Love, Joe and Janelle Becerra

Jim Alessandri

September 28, 2014

Our thoughts and much prayer are extended to the Doherty clan uponthe passing of your Dad and grandad. He was a wonderful person and one of a kind.

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