Born on November 22, 1959, John grew up in Illinois before making Orlando, Florida, his home in 1983 and raising his three children there. Throughout his life, John was many things to many people: a father, grandfather, entrepreneur, businessman, construction contractor, golfer, sports fan, and self proclaimed race car driver. But above all, he was someone people could count on.
John spent much of his career in commercial construction, where he founded a company that earned him recognition as one of Orlando Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” in 1998. In the later years of his career, he turned his attention to residential construction, where he became a true “go to guy,” the person you called when something needed to be fixed, figured out, built, moved, or made to work. And if he could not do it himself, chances were he knew someone who could. He had a natural ability to make things happen and was always willing to lend a hand.
John was selfless and generous to people from all walks of life. He gave freely of his time, his talents, his resources, and his heart. He was the kind of person who would help without expecting anything in return.
John loved sports, golf, and anything with an engine. He was a sports fan who took great pride in watching his children and grandchildren play, grow, and thrive in their talents. He was their biggest cheerleader and loved seeing them achieve the things they worked so hard for.
His greatest pride was his family. John is survived by his three children, DJ Dougherty and his wife, Cayla, Katie Dougherty, and Alex Dougherty; his three beloved granddaughters, Caroline, Grace, and Emma Dougherty; and his sisters, Kelly Schaefer and Lisa Patterson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Don Dougherty and Mary Beth Brummett.
John was looking forward to his next chapter in life, to whatever adventure, project, business idea, golf game, or crazy plan was waiting around the corner. His life was cut far too short, but the impact he made on his children, grandchildren, family, friends, and countless people he helped along the way will continue on.
He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered as Johnny D, JD, Dad, Grandpa.
“Keep the faith.”
A Celebration of Life will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5125 S Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32819, US, on September 28, 2026, beginning at 11:00 am.
