James P. “Jim” Daugherty, age 65, of Mount Gilead and formerly of Columbus, died peacefully, Tuesday morning, November 12, 2013, at home surrounded by his loving family following a battle with cancer.
On July 28, 1948, Jim was born in Columbus, Ohio, one of ten children of the late William “Doc” and Nellie (Crabbie) Daugherty.
In 1969, Jim enlisted to serve his beloved country in the U.S. Army to help in the fight of the Vietnam War. He served for eight years, many of which were overseas, as a convoy driver and a motor pool mechanic. Next, he did a one year tour of duty with the U.S. Navy.
Following his honorable discharge, Jim began working as a salesman for Pick and Pay Shoes in Georgia and Alabama. Wanting to be closer to home, Jim returned to Columbus, where he owned and operated U.S.A. Roofing and Remodeling, and was a self-employed carpenter for over 15 years. Most recently, Jim was a truck driver for the Searph 1768 Shop in Columbus for over 10 years, until he retired in 2005.
On June 27, 1998, Jim experienced a love he had never known, marrying Barbara J. Daugherty, by the blessing of an ordained clown. In 2001, they moved to a piece of land in Mount Gilead they both fell in love with. Tragically, she was taken from him in a traffic accident on May 9, 2006.
A man of faith, Jim recently found a home in the North Woodbury Free Will Baptist Church. Formerly, he had been a member of the New Hope Community Fellowship Church in Westerville, and he had attended the Pulaskiville Bible Church.
Getting a second chance at love, Jim was blessed to be united with Ruth Hollabaugh Daugherty on October 11, 2008, in his favorite place…his own backyard. They cherished every moment of their five years together.
An outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed boating, fishing in his pond, and supporting wildlife by “having a party!” He also loved to do woodworking, cooking and strategically mowing his 5 acre yard.
Despite his gruff exterior, once you got to know Jim you quickly realized he had “a heart of gold.” He also was unbelievably ornery, always keeping you on your toes and always making you laugh.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Ruth Daugherty of Mount Gilead; three step-children: Chris Mulbay of Chesterville, David (Jennifer) Hollabaugh of Howard, and Jamie (Nick) Terry of Marengo; two children: James Daugherty and Cynthia Corrine Daugherty; seven grandchildren: Elizabeth, Christina, Brandi, Tyler, Ashley, Kamberly and Raina; three brothers: Al Cordray of Zanesville, William “Bill” Cordray of Chicago, IL, and Richard “Dick” (Barbara) Cordray of Grove City; three sisters: Ruthann Balling of Columbus, Cecilia McClaskey of Columbus, and Sharon (Oscar) Crum of London, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his first wife and parents, Jim was preceded in death by three brothers: Harry, George and Creed Cordray.
His family will greet friends from 2 – 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 17th, at Snyder Funeral Home, 76 S. Main St., Mount Gilead. Services honoring his life will follow there at 4:00 p.m., with Pastor Rob Ratcliff officiating. Military honors provided by the VFW Post 8054 and AmVets Post 87 will also be observed following his services.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Morrow County, 228 South St., Mount Gilead, OH 43338, for their tender loving care of Jim.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to have been chosen to serve Jim’s family, and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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