James Joseph Dougherty passed to Eternal Life on April 25 ^th 2019 in Delray Beach, Florida at the age of 102. He led a long life in service to his country, the city of New York and his family. He was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 17, 1916 joining an elder sister in the family. She subsequently died at the age of two during the Influenza epidemic of 1918. He returned to Ireland with his parents as his maternal grandmother Regan was ill. His mother died in Ireland of pulmonary tuberculous in November, 1935. His father gave him the choice of staying in Ireland or returning to America. He made the choice to return to the home of his birth, the United States of America. He served his country in World War II, surviving D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge and Battle of the Ardennes Forest. He was employed by the New York City Police Department giving many years of caring service to the civilian and police community primarily in the 70 ^th precinct. Upon return to the United States, he made the best decision of his life, marrying Mary Catherine Foley who gave him over 60 years of love and devotion. He retired to Florida serving Emmanuel Catholic Church for 30 years as Chief Usher and Eucharistic Minister.

James is survived by four children: Mary Dougherty (Eugene Wasielewski) Kevin (Elisa O' Donnelly), James G. Dougherty and Robert Dougherty (Mary Gavin); six grandchildren: Erin Wasielewski  (Erik Thunell), Brian Wasielewski (Maya Ling Ma), Kevin Dougherty (Ashley Minney), Meghan Dougherty (Adam Hoffman), Sheila Dougherty and Michael Barrett. Six great grandchildren also survive him: Kelly Marie Thunell, Bridget Frances Thunell, Nolan and Shay Dougherty and Sophie and Amelia Hoffman.  His life will leave a void in all our lives but we are happy he is united at last with his wife and our mother, Mary.

A Funeral Mass for James was held at Emmanuel Catholic Church on April 29, 2019 and was followed by internment with full military honors at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery in West Palm Beach, Florida. He will be greatly missed as a good father and man.