James Joseph Dougherty, 85

James Joseph Dougherty, 85, of Kalispell, passed away July 18, 2009, at the Montana Veterans Home with his wife, Isabelle, and stepdaughter, Sharon, and Curly, by his side.

He was born April 16, 1924, in Detroit to Leo and Pauline (Waite) Dougherty.

He was a World War II Navy veteran, a master plumber and 65-year member of Detroit's Local 98. He had been requested, and had the honor of, plumbing Mr. Henry' Ford's home in Dearborn, Mich.

Known to many as "Gentleman Jim," he was always there for friends and neighbors to lend a hand.

He was the widower of Ida Amelia (Ferruti) Dougherty.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Viola Saunders; brothers, Bernard and Richard; and daughter, Mary Katherine.

He is survived by his wife, Isabelle (Amundson) Dougherty; sister, Barbara Snyder; daughters, Lynette Baum, Anita Murz and Paula Miller; son, Christopher; 16 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren; stepsons, Arlyn Amundson of Polson, and Don Amundson of Portland; stepdaughter, Sharon Weidner, of Kalispell; and brother-in-law, Steve Sanders of Arizona.

As requested by Jim, no funeral services will be held.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Veterans Home of Columbia Falls.