James M. Doherty

James M. Doherty, 80, of Mattapoisett died October 4, 2026 at St. Luke's Hospital.

He was the husband of the late MaryJane Rimmer-Doherty.

Jim was born in Fall River, son of the late Raymond A. and Rita B. (McGowan) Doherty, he grew up in Assonet not far from the airport on S. Main St. He lived in Mattapoisett most of his life.

He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Jim was stationed in Germany at the Ramstein Air Base where he was a communications expert. After his deployment he attended 4 years at Roger Williams College, which was paid for by the GI Bill. His training and education were important. Jim worked as a salesman for the Gas Company converting customers over from oil heat to natural gas through the early 1970's.

Sometime before 1974, against his Dad's wishes, he decided to start selling insurance. He worked for Nationwide Insurance for a couple years before embarking on his journey and creating Mizher-Doherty Insurance. His longtime friend and advocate Erney Misher became his partner for a while. Then sometime in the 1990's, Jim made the move to be fully independent and introduced J.M. Doherty Insurance which served the community for more than 4 decades.
If you knew Jim, you knew he was an avid seaman. A skill he learned from his Dad on the Taunton River. Occasionally the call would come in... "Jim, we need your help delivering the boat from Bermuda to Maine." He was all too happy to oblige.

His love for the sea was evident and lifelong. Sailboats, powerboats, little ones, big ones, wooden ones, fiberglass ones... and every size dinghy in between. His favorite was the Dyer 40. MaryJane and Jim took the boat everywhere along the New England coast from Maine to Block Island.

Predeceased by the love of his life MaryJane, Jim leaves behind his son, Hans Doherty of Naples, FL; a brother, Thomas Doherty of Berkley, a sister, Mary Doherty-Callaghan of Swansea; 2 grandchildren, Althea Jane Doherty and Owen Maxwell Doherty; and several nieces and nephews.

He was funny, stoic and well respected. His family and friends could rely on him to do what he said he would do.

His Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, November 11th at 12:30 PM at the Reservation Golf Club, 10 Reservation Rd., Mattapoisett.