Raymond "Jim" Dougherty

1937 - 2023

Raymond "Jim" Dougherty, 86, of Waukon, Iowa, formerly of Dorchester, Iowa, died Wednesday, Oct. 11, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon, with Fr. John Moser officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may greet the family from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Tuesday at the church. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements. Raymond "Jim" James Dougherty was born Jan. 23, 1937, in Waukon, the son of Emmet G. and Irene (Bresnahan) Dougherty. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon, attended country schools near Waukon, and graduated from St. Patrick Catholic High School in 1955. He then farmed with his parents and in 1960, went to military basic training in Missouri and AIT training for four months in Norfolk, Va., before becoming a reservist for six years out of Prairie du Chien, Wis. On Sept. 23, 1961, Jim married Ilene Marie Cavanaugh. They farmed together for over 50 years near Dorchester, Iowa, until moving to Waukon in 2021. After retiring from the farm, Jim worked at the Camp Tahigwa Girl Scout camp as a groundskeeper, truly enjoying his time there. Jim was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dorchester. He loved spending time with his adoring wife Ilene as well as their faithful dog Lucky. Jim enjoyed taking Ilene to dances and going for drives around the countryside. He was a very loving, patient caretaker for Ilene during her last few years. Jim is survived by his sister-in-law, Rita Dougherty; many nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 60 years, Ilene Marie; and his siblings, Mary (Mark) Wagner, Donald and John Dougherty, Alice (Clarence) Johnson, Lela (John) Urell, Joe (Jean) Dougherty and Helen (Mark) Kelley. Honorary casketbearers are Charles Johnson and Ken Johnston. Casketbearers are Donnie Johnson, Scott Dougherty, Ben Wagner, Kurt Cavanaugh, Bill Johnston and Dave Urell. Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.