James Patrick Dougherty, Sr.
August 19, 1941 - November 4, 2008
Obituary
Surrounded by his family, Jim Dougherty died at Northwest Hospital on November 4th, 2008.
Jim was born in Seattle on August 19, 1941 to Ed and Twila Dougherty. He grew up in West Seattle, exclusively educated in Catholic schools. His brothers Ed and Mike recount stories of Jim’s fearlessness and adventurousness growing up. He was an excellent athlete – competitive, smart and confident. From stories that were told, he was also prone to a bit of trouble from time to time.
He enlisted in the Air Force shortly after graduating high school and was stationed in England for a year of his enlistment. Upon returning to Seattle, he attended Seattle University, earning a degree in accounting. It was there that he met his future wife Cherryl Reid. He spent a period of time working for the Internal Revenue Service in Aberdeen and eventually moved back to Seattle, attaining his CPA and establishing his career in Bellevue and Redmond. His work was highlighted by the long friendships he shared with his clients.
Jim and Cherryl were married in her hometown of Poplar, Montana in June 1972, and spent their honeymoon touring North Dakota. They returned to Seattle and bought a house in the Broadview neighborhood that remains the family home. They had four children, Jim Jr., Meghan, Jenny and Scott. Jim was a devoted father – rarely missing a sporting or music event. He was also a very reliable cook, reliably cooking either pork chops, steak or hamburger with mushroom gravy for any meal that he prepared. Potatoes were not an option–they were required.
Earlier in his life he enjoyed golfing and frequenting local businesses taverns, for instance. He proudly brandished his mid-life crisis in the form of a light blue T-Top Camaro. Later in life he enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and reading books about a fictional character named Mack Bolan, whom Wikipedia describes as ‘dealing with missions which are sometimes too difficult or too sensitive for the military or government to handle.’ It may have been a similar mandate that he assumed as a public accountant.
All who knew Jim likely knew a slightly different version of him. Despite his occasionally rough exterior he was very empathic and seemed to understand more often than not the right thing to say to persuade you or to assure you that everything would be okay. He was the most confident person in the room always. He was often demonstrative and passionate, and it was a hell of a feeling when he focused his passion towards you.
His initial lung cancer diagnosis was grim. Despite successfully fighting off the first tumors, the chemotherapy and radiation treatments diminished him quite substantially. Over the course of six years he had to breathe with the assistance of an oxygen tank and had several procedures done to address related ailments. The cancer eventually spread to the bone – with tumors and compression fractures causing him excruciating pain. For many years, without the capability to sleep through the night, he gained an appreciation for Matlock and numerous other late-night television programs. This was poor recompense for his pain. The lung cancer returned this past summer and aggressively spread to his brain.
Despite the pain that he was in, whenever asked he would always tell you he was, ‘fantastic,’ or ‘great.’ For as much attention as he commanded in a room, his focus was always outward. As much pain as he endured, it was always insignificant to the comfort of others for him.
At the moment before he died, he opened his eyes for the first time in days. While holding his head in her hands, Cherryl told him that he was loved, and then he took his last breath. We wanted more time, but we are grateful for the pain that Jim endured to give us the last few years that he shared with us.
He is survived by his wife, Cherryl, children Jim Jr. Jenny, Meghan Galvan Derrick, Jenny, and Scott all of Seattle, his grandson Joel Patrick Galvan born November 12, 2008, his father Ed of Bremerton, brothers Mike Sue of Bremerton and Ed Judy of Seattle, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his mother, Twila.
A funeral mass is scheduled for Saturday, November 15th at Christ the King Catholic Church, 405 North 117th Street, Seattle, WA 98133 with a reception to follow. Interment will be scheduled for a future date at Tahoma National Cemetery.
MCP, you will be missed so very much. You’ve been a part of my life for over 25 years…I can’t remember how long exactly. You are the best and will not be forgotten. God bless you Jim. I will miss you more than I can imagine. God comfort and bless you Cherryl and give you strength. I am so very sorry. My deepest sympathy. Leilani Akana