Colonel James "Jim" Edward Doherty (U.S. Air Force, Retired) passed away unexpectedly on January 20, 2021. He was born June 18, 1940, in Newton, Massachusetts, grew up in Stoughton, Massachusetts, and graduated from Monsignor Coyle High School in Taunton, Massachusetts. Jim was an outstanding athlete in his youth, particularly in baseball. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in September 1960. Jim held a Bachelor of Science Degree in Police Administration from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Webster University.

Jim was a Vietnam veteran who served in the Security Police of the United States Air Force for 36 years. He rose from the enlisted ranks to become a commissioned officer and ultimately    achieved the rank of Colonel. His military decorations and awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal with one device, the Vietnam Service Medal with three devices, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with device, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Jim had an unrelenting capacity to be and do the best for the Air Force and his country. Always eager for new learning opportunities, upon his retirement he furthered his education at ECPI in Internet Technology and Networking. With this degree, he then worked for several years as the Network Administrator at Bateman Library on Langley Air Force Base.

The most important part of Jim's life was his wife, Susan, his children and grandchildren. He often shared how important the love, counsel, and support of Susan was to him in his life and career. Jim also took great pride in the values held and accomplishments achieved by his children and how much he appreciated what they were to him. His drive, work ethic and patriotism were a few of his strongest traits that he also impressed upon them.

Jim was a lifelong Boston sports fan, especially for the Red Sox (Go Sox!). He had a witty sense of humor that complemented his Irish heritage and he loved to tell amusing and interminable stories. You would be laughing with him even before he reached the distant punchline, which might not be as funny as the story itself. Jim was also a faithful member of St. Mark Lutheran Church and appreciated the continuous support provided by the church family throughout the years.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Paul R. and H. Eileen Doherty, aunt and uncle, Joe and Josephine Halliden, and mother-in-law, Lois L. Hansen. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan Hansen Doherty; four children, David Doherty of Las Vegas, Nevada, Krista Doherty Chairez (David) of Las Vegas, Nevada, Sean Doherty (Carmen) of Richmond, Virginia, and Shannon Doherty Stickler (Jason) of Richmond, Virginia; six grandchildren, Maja and James Peter "JP" Chairez, Declan James and Harper Doherty, and Delaney and Brenna Stickler; brother, Robert "Bob" Doherty (Penny) of Halifax, Nova Scotia; father-in-law, Robert "Bob" Hansen of Council Bluffs, Iowa; brothers-in-law, Steve Hansen (Stephani) of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Scott Hansen (Carmen) of Tabor, Iowa; nieces and nephews, Molly Fellows (Josh) of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Patrick Doherty, Jenny Oliver (Clark), Brendan Doherty (Jade) and Meghan Doherty (John) of Halifax, Nova Scotia; and many cousins.

Known as Colonel, Jimmy, Jim, Jimbo, Mr. D, Uncle Jim, Dad, Pops, and G-Pops, he was a special man to all who knew him. We will always carry your memory and smile in our hearts. You will be greatly missed.

Due to Covid restrictions a private memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 30, 2021, in the R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home chapel. The service may be watched live on the funeral home Facebook page by clicking here . Interment with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Heart Association, St. Mark Lutheran Church in Yorktown, Virginia, or Tech 4 Troops.