James Henry Doherty

JAMES HENRY DOHERTY, III, born April 16, 1936, in Woburn, Massachusetts, passed on March 6, 2016 in Placer County, California.

He is survived by Leona, his wife of over 59 years; three children: Michael James (wife, Lois) of Colorado, Daniel L. of California, and Anne E. Doherty-Stephan (husband, Jeffrey) of New Mexico; two grandsons: James Alan (wife, Brandi) of Virginia and Shane Daniel (wife, Cailee) of Colorado; three great-grandsons: Devlin James of Virginia, Axton James and Marshall Jake (step great-grandson) of Colorado. His parents, Leo F. and Mary E. Doherty of Massachusetts, and numerous cousins preceded him in death.

Jim grew up in Woburn, Massachusetts where he attended local schools until he joined the Air Force. While stationed in Spokane, Washington, he met and married Leona Lowery.

He was retired from City College of San Francisco, Aeronautics Department where he was an instructor for over 25 years. Prior to teaching, he worked as a federally licensed A&P mechanic in both light aircraft and at American and United Airlines.

Mr. Doherty graduated from San Francisco State University with a Master's degree in Vocational Education and College of San Mateo where he earned his Associate of Arts degree in Transportation. He also attended classes at Berkeley and numerous professional courses.

He was deeply involved in community activities in which his children participated: Boy Scouts, both with Cub Scout Pack 350 and Troop 146 where he served as a Webelo leader and assistant scout master, respectively; and Girl Scout Troop 105 as a committee chairman for three years. He was very proud of the fact that both of his sons were Eagle Scouts and his daughter earned the rank of First Class with Girl Scouts before continuing on to a high adventure Explorer Post.

He was a charter member of the Good Sam Mateans' RV group, a Lifetime member of the Good Sam Club, Escapees, and other RV organizations. He was a current member of First United Methodist Church and also attended services at Grace United Methodist Church in Yuba City, American Legion Post 705, Elks Lodge 2089, and Sons in Retirement (SIRS). He was a past member of Epsilon Pi Tau, the International professional fraternity for Education in Technology, and the American Federation of Teachers. He was also a dedicated blood donor, giving more than 30 pints.

Jim was an avid RVer; he and his wife traveled extensively in their motor home, visiting all areas of our country. Other highlights of their travel included a 50th wedding anniversary cruise to Alaska (a gift from their children), and dream trips to New Zealand and Hawaii as well as forays into Canada. He was also an amateur radio enthusiast; his HAM call sign, KD6QKH, is now silent.

He was much loved by his family and many friends. He will always be cherished in the hearts of those closest to him as the warm, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather that he was. We shall always miss him. We are grateful that God has welcomed him Home and he is at peace.