Doherty, James Edward 'Jim'
Jim passed away peacefully at Brightshores Hospital in Meaford on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the age of 89, with his children by his side.
Born in Meaford on January 23, 1937, Jim was the son of the late Clarence and Mildred (nee Hopps) Doherty. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Betty (nee Miller) Doherty on December 21, 2022. Jim was the proud and supportive father of Kathy Freiburger (Les) of Paisley, Mike Doherty (Kelly) of Meaford and Tracy van Aalst (Gord, predeceased) of Meaford. He was the treasured grandfather of Deanna Freiburger and was predeceased by his grandson Jeff Freiburger.
Jim will be missed by his sister-in-law Dianne Rowles (Bill, predeceased). He was predeceased by his sisters Nancy Weatherall (Larry) and Beth Green, sisters-in-law Marie McKibbon-Bell (Stanley, Douglas), Florence Brinkman-Johansen (Garnet, Eivind) and brother-in-law Keith Miller (Velma). He will be remembered fondly by his nieces, nephews and their families.
Jim was a master tradesman and worked for many years as the Head Mechanic at Smith Tire Service on Nelson Street. He could fix anything, including farm equipment and machinery, school buses, dump trucks, bulldozers and any type and year of automobiles.
He enjoyed the outdoors, including snowmobiling with Betty and their friends, in addition to long distance motorcycle tours on one of his many beloved Gold Wings. He and his friends took numerous motorcycle trips across both Canada and the United States.
After retirement, Jim delighted in puttering around his house, ensuring his home was well attended and that his lawn and yard were always beautifully maintained and cared for.
Jim will be warmly remembered by his family and friends as someone who was always available for a chat, to offer advice and was ready to help, in any way necessary.
Private family arrangements at this time. Interment to take place at Lakeview Cemetery in the Summer of 2026.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Brightshores Meaford Hospital Foundation would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Our deepest sympathies to the family.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Rest in peace,
a good man and a good life,
always enjoyed interactions with Jim at Smiths for many years.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
My condolences to Tracy, Mike and family!
Sincerely,
K. Hunt
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
My condolences to the Doherty family. Rest in peace Jim.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Tracy so sorry on the loss of your Dad. You will truly miss him. Hopefully your treasured memories will help you through this sad and difficult time. Sending loving thoughts and hugs. Jim and Coreen
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Tracy,Mike and Kathy I’m so sorry to hear about your dad.He was a great mechanic in his day.My dad grew up in the same neighborhood as your father.He always thought a lot of him as well did I. My sincere Condolences RIP Jim
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
My condolences to Mike and family
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Dear Tracy, Mike and Kathy, my sincere condolences to your entire family at this difficult and sad time. My thoughts are with you.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Kathy, Mike and Tracy so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing may he rest in peace
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
I offer my sincere condolences to Jim’s family and friends.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Kathy, Mike and Tracy
My condolences to you on the passing of your Dad. He was a mainstay at Smith’s Garage where I had my vehicles serviced for many years. He will be missed by many in the community.
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Our condolences to Jim’s family. Jim was a great mechanic. Rest in Peace Jim
.
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Sad to see another of the original neighborhood gone. Always remember Jim & Betty.
Thursday, April 23, 2026
My Condolences to Kathy,Mike and Tracy your father always had a wave when I drove by.
Bob Skippen
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Sorry Kathy to hear about Dad’s passing. He would find the problem on Frank’s & I would run over to Cliff’s to get the parts! I learned a lot by just watching him work.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Kathy, Mike and Tracy.
We send our condolences to you, on the passing of your father. He was a valued member of our community.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Kathy, Mike and Tracey.Ann and I send our condolences to you on your loss of your dad.i had a lot of fun snowmobiling with him for many years.Cherish the memories. Murray and Ann Kerr
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Condolences to all the Doherty family.
Tom & Lynn Carbert
Monday, April 27, 2026
Mike, our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
My deepest sympathies to Jim’s family. He was a very hard-working, well respected mechanic. I always noted on my way by his house that his yard and lawn were immaculate.
Thinking of you at this time of loss and remembering days gone by.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Kathy, Mike and Tracy, I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I have lots of good memories of Jim and Betty. It’s a hard adjustment to lose a parent. My thoughts are with you.