Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James DOHERTY Obituary
He was born in 1942 in Wenatchee, WA, to Francis and Bernice (Mathieu) Doherty and moved to Spokane as a toddler. He graduated from Rogers High School and completed additional community college classes in Seattle. He spent most of his adult life in Seattle. While Jim worked in various jobs, including the US Forest Service and Boeing, he made most of his living as a commercial painter.
Jim served in the US Army and spent two years in Greece. He enjoyed the people there and learned to speak conversational Greek. Jim loved to tell jokes, sing karaoke, fish, and study details of older cars and trucks.
Jim's two daughters were the center of his life. Kathleen (Kat) Doherty and Megan Doherty (John Dickerson) live in Ashland, OR. In addition, Jim is survived by his sister, Janice Doherty of Spokane; his former wife, Penney Doherty of Rogue River, OR; brother-in-law, Roger (Cathy) Gier of Bella Vista, AR; sister-in-law, Connie Doherty; niece, Lizz Jacobsen; and grandnephew, Tyler Jacobsen of Salem. In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his younger brother, William Doherty; and sister, Patricia (Roger) Gier.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Spokane Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, the Spokane Veteran's Home, and Hospice of Spokane for their compassionate care.
Jim had a kind heart. In lieu of flowers, please lend a hand or share a story with someone in need of a lift. There will be a remembrance of Jim at the West Central Community Center (1603 N. Belt) on Friday, April 26, from 1 to 4.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James DOHERTY
Benita Leavy
June 11, 2024
Heartfelt condolences to Jim´s family. He was a great guy, always kind, giving, and full of laughs. One of my earliest memories of Jim is him giving Pat and I the keys to his rental car and telling us to go have fun. I think we were 15!
I´m sorry I missed his memorial. His memory is certainly a blessing to all who were privileged to know him.
Washington State
May 18, 2024
Thank you for your service to our country. Rest In Peace.
Megan Doherty
April 26, 2024
Megan Doherty
April 26, 2024
Megan Doherty
April 26, 2024
Jim Doherty was my Dad. He was always full of stories and jokes. He had a kind heart and helped so many people. Dad was so strong in life even though it was not always easy he persevered through brain damage and various illnesses over the years. He always knew the answer to any question from what car parts you needed to almost any subject in life. He loved his family so much. My sister Kat and I shared a bond stronger than the universe. He will be greatly missed. Thank you Dad for an amazing life.
Art and Bonnie
April 26, 2024
Jim had a lively zest for life, mixed with a compassionate and caring personality. His humorous outlook regarding everyday happenings and news events made for amusing conversations that were entertaining. Every so often he would show up with another vehicle that he had acquired that had sparked his passion and interest in tucks and cars. His spontaneous visits and his friendliness and friendship will be missed.
Art and Bonnie
Mary Blankevoort
April 24, 2024
Jim was such a wonderful guy. (I often remarked on how good-looking he was!!!!!) And he always wanted to make folks laugh. Every time I went over to visit his sister, Jan, he told a joke. Of course, it was often the SAME joke that he had told me before, but it still got a laugh. We will certainly miss his warm presence.
Dan Leichtnam
April 21, 2024
Jim was a truly good person. Always a pleasure to talk to. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Lisa Jones
April 21, 2024
Dear Jim, his spirit is free and hopefully having some enriching new experiences to add to his many interesting ones already gained. So interesting! I remember his gentle smile and manner, and the sparkle in his eyes. A nice comfort gift to us who were lucky enough to have known him. Hugs to his family members and friends...
David Eyre
April 21, 2024
photo is from early 2017. I wrote a book about the parochial grade school we both attended (St. Anthony's) Jim was an enthusiastic supporter of my book and shared many great stories along with his 8th grade 1956 class photo. God's peace be with you Jim!
Linda M
April 21, 2024
With deepest sympathy, sending prayers for solace.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in James DOHERTY's name
Memorial Events
for James DOHERTY
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James DOHERTY's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
