January 18, 2023
James Patrick Doherty, of Hingham, MA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 12, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was 84.
Born in Boston, MA, James was a son of the late Charles and Helen (Kelley) Doherty. Raised in Roslindale, he enjoyed a childhood of playing baseball at Healy Field, attending Boston Red Sox games with his Uncle “Duxie,” and spending the summers with family at Gunrock Beach in Hull, MA.
At 17 years old, James enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country for three years. After his time in the service, he began a career in the hospitality industry, where he ultimately worked at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel for 50 years. It was there where James met his wife, Shirley (Toon) Doherty, who was an employee of the hotel for over 35 years. During his time at the Copley Plaza, James made life-long friendships with colleagues, was a mentor to many young workers, and was respected and loved by countless guests, including presidents, foreign dignitaries, and celebrities who would return to the hotel year after year. A great conversationalist and never star-struck, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, and other movie stars and athletes would often seek him out during their hotel stays.
James had a brilliant mind with an encyclopedic knowledge of history, especially World War II; baseball statistics; and cinema. He was also an avid skydiver and loved taking hunting trips to Maine with his brother Bill and friends. A barbeque master, he enjoyed hosting family cookouts and afterwards, taking guests for a walk or swim “down the beach.”
A true gentleman and a devoted husband who lovingly cared for his wife during the course of a long illness, his kindness, humor and all-around class will be missed by all.
Beloved husband of Shirley Doherty, who passed away in 2016. Survived by his daughter, Jodi Doherty of Union City, NJ; son, Craig Simpson and his wife Naida of Mattapan, MA; grandchildren, Joanna Simpson of Jacksonville, FL and Naimah Simpson of Mattapan, MA; sister Suzanne Gelinas and her late husband Daniel of Glen Oaks, NY; brother William Doherty and his wife Giselle of Norton, MA. Predeceased by his sister, Patricia Doherty and brother, John Doherty. James is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Sunday, January 22, 2023, from 4-7 PM at the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald Street (off Central Street), Hingham.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9 AM on Monday, January 23, 2023, prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Paul’s Church, 147 North Street, Hingham, at 10 AM.
Interment and military honors will follow in Knollwood Memorial Park, 321 High Street, Canton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Semper Fi & Americas Fund, 825 College Blvd., Suite 102 • PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057 or by clicking here.