James Richard “Jim” Dougherty, age 93, peacefully passed away on September 8, 2026, at his home in Savannah, Missouri.

Jim was born on January 1, 1933, to John and Lena (Cox) Dougherty.

At just 17 years old, Jim joined the United States Navy in 1950. During basic training, he met the woman with whom he would build a lifetime, Patricia Ann. Their story began with a simple dance. During that dance, Jim confidently told Patricia that he was going to marry her. True to his word, just four months later, the two were married on April 14, 1951, in Yuma, Arizona. What began with one dance became more than 72 years of marriage, family, and a life-built side by side.

Shortly after their marriage, Jim was deployed during the Korean War, serving aboard the USS Iowa. His commitment to serving his country would later call him back to military service. At the age of 35, Jim joined the United States Navy Seabees, serving during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged after proudly serving his country in two wars.

After returning home, Jim put his skills and determination to work, starting a plumbing and electrical construction company. That venture marked the beginning of a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship and construction. Over the years, Jim founded and operated several construction businesses, always looking toward the next project or opportunity. His final business venture was Ozark Oak in Savannah, Missouri, a fitting conclusion to a career spent building, creating, and working with his hands.

Jim’s love of building didn’t stop when the workday ended. He had a passion for woodworking, fishing, and redesigning just about anything he could get his hands on. He was known for buying something, taking it apart because he knew he could make it better, and occasionally moving on to the next great idea before the first one was quite finished. Those who knew him best understood that with Jim, a project was never really unfinished—he simply had another idea he needed to get started on.

Above all, Jim’s life was one of service, hard work, ingenuity, and devotion to the family he and Patricia built together. From a 17-year-old sailor who knew after one dance whom he wanted to marry, to a veteran, businessman, craftsman, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jim lived a full 93 years. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories and memories and a legacy that will continue through the many generations that follow him.

Jim is survived by his children, Kim (Donnie) Welch of Oregon, Missouri; Diana Baker of Kansas City, Missouri; John Dougherty of Kansas City, Missouri; and Robin (Jerry) Holmes of Graham, Missouri.

His memory will also live on through his cherished grandchildren: Shannon (Loretta) Welch, Bryan (Angie) Welch, Dana (David) Scaggs, Rachel (Curt) Gillenwater, Mindy (Tim) Skidmore, Brandon Hullinger, Chasidy (Shaye) Bushy, Amber (Matt) Rothermel, Katie Fain, Jason Dougherty, Jacob (Kaitlynn) Holmes, Jared (Holly) Holmes, Jenny (Andrew) Lance, Julie (Stephen) Eschenbach, Janah (Michael) Brown, Jodi Holmes, and Jaylee (Jacob) McGinness, as well as 56 great-grandchildren and a boatload of great-great (and great!) grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lena (Cox) Dougherty; his beloved wife of more than 72 years, Patricia Ann Dougherty; his daughter, Constance “Connie” Lager; and his grandsons, Kyle Lager and Bradford “Brad” Dougherty.

Jim lived a life of serving, building, creating, and loving his family. The things he built with his hands may remain, but his greatest legacy will always be the family he built and the generations who will carry his memory forward.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with funeral services immediately following at 11:00 a.m. at Heaton-Bowman-Smith Savannah Chapel, 307 S. 6th Street, Savannah, Missouri 64485. Inurnment with full military honors to follow at Savannah Cemetery.