James Peter Docherty

James Peter Docherty of Port St. Lucie, FL (formerly of Stony Brook, NY) died on Monday, February 20 following a 9-month battle with cancer.  He was 89 years old.  Jim leaves his wife of nearly 57 years, Kathleen (nee Kennedy), daughter Jacqueline Sagl (John) of Littleton, MA and son James (Carre) of Stony Brook, NY.  He is also survived by his granddaughters Jordan and Avery Sagl, Adaryn and Sunny Docherty, and grandsons Antonio Alagna and Sam Barnes.

Raised in the Bronx, Jim was the oldest of ten children born to Thomas and Catherine (Donovan) Docherty.  He is survived by his siblings Jean (Seitter), Ginger (Hurley), Tom, Mary (Fenton) and Vincent; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and brothers Joe, Rich, Gerard and Marty.

He was an original “IT Support Service” professional who provided mainframe support at Western Union for 30 years. He enjoyed a second career in the Suffolk County, NY Department of Real Estate and was an active member of the Suffolk County Republican Club. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corp and was a former Commandant of the Mercury Detachment of the Marine Corps League. He could be seen marching each year in the Three Village Memorial Day Parade and was in attendance at every Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day ceremony that he could get to, to honor his fellow veterans.

He was a devoted husband and true life partner to his wife, Kathy.  Together they created a life that included two kids, two homes, four grandchildren and countless memories. They conquered the struggles together and enjoyed good times with friends and family, vacations in amazing places, “the boat,” and dancing together for as long as the music was playing, no matter where they were. 

As a father, he was quiet but fun.  He ran behind bikes, pushed swings, and could be seen lacing up his skates at the roller rink on Saturday mornings. He dragged their sleds up hills countless times and read to his kids every night when they were young, instilling a love of reading and books.

As a grandfather he was silly, fun and an example of positivity and resilience for the girls.  He took great interest in their lives and made sure he stayed connected to them. He enjoyed seeing them on Facetime and they enjoyed his texts and his proper and “cool” use of emojis.

Before moving to Port St. Lucie, Florida in 2004, Jim was diagnosed with prostate cancer and unbeknown to most, endured the side effects of a surgical injury for the rest of his life. His injuries required multiple, hours long surgeries and left him with permanent consequences that would have stopped most from being active and enjoying life to its fullest.  Instead, he moved to Florida and learned to play tennis.  Tennis would be what kept him healthy, active, social and the motivation to recover as fast as possible from each of his surgeries.  He played with his friends several times a week leading up to his bone cancer diagnosis in June 2022.

Every day he read the New York Times and Wall Street Journal and dabbled with news apps on his iPhone.  He enjoyed reading books about American history and was a rabid professional tennis fan. He could discuss sports, politics, business and everything in between.  He was an avid word game player and enthusiast, having found all the words in games of Wordle numerous times.

He was kind, humble and a friend to all.  He loved his family and set a great example of how to live your life in the face of all that is good and, more importantly, when life throws you curve balls. He will be missed.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, March 9 at 10 am at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in St. Lucie West.  Private burial to follow.  A celebration of life in recognition of what would have been his 90^th birthday will be held on Saturday, June 17 in Stony Brook, NY.  Details to follow.