Obituary of James Dougherty

BONITA SPRINGS, FLORIDA James Dougherty, M.D., a tiger, a nightingale, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather, an orthopaedic surgeon and founder of the practice that is today’s Bone and Joint Center, passed away peacefully in his home in Bonita Springs, Florida on November 2nd. He was 90. Dr. Dougherty was born July 31, 1926 in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He was the son of James A. Dougherty and Maude Dillard Dougherty. He attended Bulkeley High School in Hartford, Connecticut and graduated from Trinity College in 1950. An exceptional student, he applied for and was accepted to Albany Medical College while still an undergraduate student at Trinity. He graduated from Albany Medical College only one year after having received his bachelor’s degree. Upon graduation he was awarded membership to the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honorary society representing Albany Medical College for the class of 1951, and the Alumni Medal. From there he did his post graduate training at the University Chicago Clinics from 1951 to 1956. Prior to medical school Dr. Dougherty served his country during World War II as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He was stationed at Morotai in the Dutch East Indies and at Leyte/Luzon in the Philippines. Dr. Dougherty was a member and leader in numerous medical and professional associations during his many years. To name just a few, he was a life member of the Medical Society of the County of Albany, Inc., the Medical Society of the State of New York and the American Medical Association. He was a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and was a diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Dougherty was Past President of the C. Campbell Orthopaedic Society and was the founding member and President of the Senior Retired Physicians Association in Lee County, Florida. Albany Medical College and Medical Center always held a special place in Dr. Dougherty’s heart. He was an attending surgeon and Chief of Staff at the Albany Medical Center and was Professor Emeritus at Albany Medical College. He would serve as President of the Albany Medical College Alumni Association and a member of the Board of Trustees of both the College and Albany Medical Center. In 1988 Dr. Dougherty was awarded a very special honor by being nominated to serve as the U.S. Surgeon General under President George H.W. Bush and was endorsed by the New York State Republican Committee and the Medical Society of the State of New York. Dr. Dougherty was a prolific researcher and writer in medicine. But he also took a stint at writing mystery novels and children’s books. In addition to his many accomplishments in the field of medicine, Dr. Dougherty was a devoted husband and father who, despite his challenging schedule, made time for his family, always encouraging their varied endeavors throughout life. He is predeceased by his oldest son, James Dougherty, wives Marylyn Hays Dougherty and Rita Buchman Dougherty. He is survived by his children, Charles (Linda Witzel) of Feura Bush, NY, Janice (Thomas Dougherty) of Nantucket, MA, Carol Ann (Tracy Harris) and Sheryl, both of St. Pete Beach, FL, Jonathan (Mary Jane Williams) of Clifton Park, NY and Christopher (Karen Levister) of Springfield, MA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dyrin (Jason Matthews) of Brick, NJ, Devon (Brian O’Neill) of Morris, CT, Dr. Seth Wander of Boston, MA and Sara Wander, Aaron, Alexander and Jordan White, all from Palm Harbor, FL. Dr. Dougherty also enjoyed having a great grandson, Jameson Matthews. A visitation will be held at the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue in Albany on Friday, December 16, 2016 from 4-7pm. All are welcome to attend. A service will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Levine Memorial Chapel followed by interment in the Bethlehem Cemetery in Delmar, New York. Those wishing to remember Dr. Dougherty may make a memorial contribution to Albany Medical College Alumni Association.