James Doherty

James Patrick "Jim" Doherty Born December 4, 1919 in Oakland, CA, to the union of Patrick Doherty and Catherine Gallagher of Donegal, Ireland. Jim passed away March 22, 2012. He was the beloved husband of Norma for sixty-seven years. Loving father of Kitty (Barry) Doherty-Knobles, Jim Doherty, the late Joan (Ron) Pisani, Bill Doherty, Mary Doherty and Joe (Patti) Doherty. He also leaves nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cherished friends, his sisters'-in-law; Margaret Doherty of San Leandro, CA and Grace Dye of Medford, OR. He is predeceased by his daughter Joan, two brothers, Ben and Joe and brother-in-law Bill Dye and sister-in-law Annabeth Doherty. Jim spent 4 years in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a First Sergeant, training new recruits for over-seas duty. In 1945, he married Norma Dye at St. Patrick's Church in Watsonville, CA. They met while dancing at the U.S.O. Together, they raised their family in El Cerrito, where Jim was associated with El Cerrito Mill and Lumber Company for many years. He was elected Mayor of El Cerrito. He was an original member of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Board of Directors and served two terms as President of the Board. Past president of the Mira Vista Golf & Country Club, and upon retiring to Oakmont in 1983, he became president of Oakmont Golf Course. Jim and Norma traveled extensively in the United States and Europe. Upon retirement, they lived above the First Tee at Oakmont for twenty-eight years and were always golf enthusiasts. After a long and happy life together, we his loved ones, will miss his Irish wit, he will always be with us in spirit. May the Good Lord hold him in the palm of His hands...until we meet again. Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at the Star of the Valley Catholic Church (545 White Oak Drive, Santa Rosa [Oakmont], CA, 95409). Private inurnment; Calvary Catholic Cemetery-Santa Rosa, CA. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions in Jim's memory are preferred to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (2141 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA, 90245) or Hospice by the Bay (190 West Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95776). Arrangements entrusted to: LAFFERTY & SMITH COLONIAL CHAPEL, Directors (707)539.2921