James David Doherty, 94 and a life long resident of Andover, passed away on November 25, 2009 in the loving presence of his wife and family. Jim was an active participant in shaping the development of Andover as well as many aspects of the Merrimack Valley through the decades following World War I to the present. He was involved in the educational, business, political and spiritual life of his community.
Jim was a graduate of St. Augustine School, the Andover Punchard High School class of 1934 and was granted a football scholarship to Boston College where he graduated with the class of 1937. He was a U.S. Army Corp Veteran. In 1937, Jim joined his brother, Bill Doherty, in starting Doherty Insurance Agency Inc.
A sports enthusiast, Jim’s favorite competitive arena was undoubtedly the political field. For 20 years, Jim chaired the Andover Democratic Town Committee. As the head of the Recreation Department for the Town of Andover for many years, he ran the playgrounds and the annual Easter Egg Hunt for the Town’s children. He took on the position as an elections officer for town elections, and served as a counter at town meeting. Perhaps Jim is best known in Andover for his position as Town Moderator, a position he had been elected to each year from 1977- 2006, which earned him the salutation of Mr Moderator.
Community Activities and organizations have been no stranger to Jim. He was a charter member of the Lanam Club, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Lawrence, past president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Massachusetts as well as having been chosen their “Man of the Year”, past member of the Board of Trustees of Merrimack College, past member of the Girl Scout Council’s Board of Directors, past member of the Commonwealth Auto Reinsurers Board of Governors, a charter member of the Board of Directors of Our Lady of Nazareth Academy in Wakefield, past president of the Board of Directors of the Men of Merrimack and until recently continued to serve its successor entity, the Friends of Merrimack. Jim was honored by the Andover Historical Society as a recipient of their annual Heritage Award as well as the Rotary Club’s Citizens’ Who Care Award, the Boy Scout Council’s Lord Baden Powell Distinguished Citizen Award, and the Good Citizenship Award from the Andover Chamber of Commerce. He was the co-chair of Andover’s 350th Anniversary committee and chaired the 350th parade committee. Jim has represented the Massachusetts Insurance Agents as the State National Director to the Independent Insurance Agents of America. Jim served his Parish community, St. Augustine in Andover, as a long standing member of the Parish Finance Committee, a Lector, and a lifelong advocate of his Roman Catholic Faith.
In the early years of Merrimack College, Jim worked tirelessly with the Augustinians to assure the college, started in 1947, would develop strong roots in this community. Little pleased him more than to see the religious, educational and cultural influence that the college has had on the Merrimack Valley over his lifetime.
Through all that Jim had accomplished and done in his community, the center of his life had always been his deeply rooted faith in God and his family. Jim was devoted to his wife of 60 years, Sheila, and their five children and three grandchildren. Jim and Sheila have instilled in each of their children the call to give back to their community. Jim did this through example, not mere words.
Jim was the son of William J. Doherty and Josephine M. Powers of Andover. He is survived by his wife Sheila M. (Dalton) Doherty, and children, Mary M. Doherty of Whitefield, NH, Sheila M. Doherty of Andover, Joanne Doherty Dee and her husband Donald of Andover, James D. Doherty, Jr. and his wife Mary Beth of Andover,
Frances M. Doherty of North Andover, and grandchildren, Matthew, Caitlin and James D. Doherty III (Tripp)
ARRANGEMENTS
Calling hours will be held in St Augustine’s Church from 4-8pm on Monday November 30th, with the Mass of Resurrection to be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 10am at St. Augustine’s. Arrangements are under the direction of the Charles F. Dewhirst Andover Funeral Home. To send an online condolence, please visit www.dewhirstfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to the St. Augustine Parish Building Fund, 43 Essex Street, Andover, MA.