James "Skid Jim" Doherty

over you and immediately you are engaged in the laughter of life. This is Jimmy Doherty. Jimmy was born in Clonmany, Donegal, Ireland then in 1948 with his family and extended family members, Jimmy immigrated to Canada. His youth was framed by the eternal and genuine bonds of loyalty and friendship characteristic of the East End neighbourhoods of Hamilton where he grew up and developed life long friendships with Harry O'Donnell, Alex McLeod, Jimmy Petterson and later to have found a best bud in Jim Burgess. Despite the constant laughter, Jimmy was "really a serious guy". And this is so true. His willingness to listen intently and without prejudice was perhaps one of his greatest virtues and has at one time or another prompted each of us to acknowledge that indeed it was the serious side of Jimmy that provided support, encouragement and advice that was sound and profitable for our well being. My heart breaks and my soul aches to have to share this sad news that my husband, the love of my life, my best friend and my favourite everything, Jimmy Doherty has left us. He is predeceased by his parents George and Ellen Doherty and his youngest brother Terrence (Terry) Doherty. Jim is survived by his soulmate, best friend and loving wife Cherri Doherty, step-children Amanda, and Paul and "Little Jimmy" (Ottolino) Ted and Angie (Clement), daughters Lynn and Sharon, his eldest brother George Doherty (Burnaby B.C.) whom he respected for his tenacity and endurance, his brother Pat Doherty (Jill) whom he admired for his career accomplishments and his beloved sister Marie Grodde (Peter) who he's forever indebted to and cherished in his heart for the love and care she provided for Ma. Jimmy was also known as the "Big Brother" who watched over Marie and special cousin Peg Lanc (Larry). Many nieces and nephews also share in the sadness as they say goodbye to "Big Uncle Jim": Geoff and Joy and Owen and Abby Doherty of Ottawa, Jamie and Lesley and Connor of Barrie, Erin and Spencer of Ottawa, Kathleen and Pat of Hamilton, Jennifer and Bill and Evie of Toronto, the nephew who became like a son, Sean Doherty and special friend and son-in-law Joe Obermeyer. Above all, Jimmy was most proud to be "Papa" to three wonderful grandchildren and he overcame significant obstacles in attempts to spend as much time as possible with them. Papa knows that Nicole (Obermeyer), Tyler and Haley (Hood) will forever hold him in their hearts. Whether it's memories of Good Friday Hikes, trips to the trailer or stories about gorillas, Papa's smile will always be found in theirs. Jim will also be remembered by brothers-in-law Stan Hutchinson (Theresa) and Kelly Phillips (Heather), and sisters-in-law Theresa Wright (Donnie) and Glenda White (Jeff). Jim was founder and president of Skid Jim Enterprises Inc. until failing health forced him to retire in November 2010. Jim was also a member of Local 736 Iron Workers. Thank you to Dr. Reddy and the nurses and staff at the Haldimand War Memorial Hospital, CBI Home Health nurses, Jenna, Judy, Jackie, Beth, Val, Scott and Kathy. Special thanks to Stephanie and Dr. Morgan, Pat and Dr. Burgess, Dr. Sur, Dr. Dhesy and Dr. Young, the nurses of the Head and Neck Unit St. Joseph's Hospital especially to Kristie who reminded us "its not how you weather the storm but how you dance in the rain". The family will receive friends at the MARKEY DERMODY FUNERAL HOME, 1774 King Street E. (at Kenilworth) on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Vigil prayers Thursday at 8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated from Holy Family Church (1393 Cannon St. E.) on Friday, May 13, 2011 at 11 a.m. Cremation to follow.

"GOOD SHIFT!"