John Timothy "Jack" Doherty, Jr.

Mr. John Timothy “Jack” Doherty, salt of the earth and all-around good guy, passed peacefully in his sleep on March 4, 2022. Jack was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, son, and friend. A long-time resident of Stephens, Georgia, Jack loved his family and friends, the Georgia bulldogs, babies, his cook shed, and his truck. On the family trip to Oak Island each year, Jack was the king of crabbers, organizing and netting for four generations of Dohertys.

Jack was born in Washington, DC on September 4, 1953, the fourth of John and Ethel Doherty’s ten children. He grew up on Spa Creek in Annapolis learning to love the water, crabbing, and got home when the street lights came on. He spent much of his youth in Mexico, Peru and Argentina.

He graduated from high school in Argentina, returned to the US, and settled in Athens, the hometown of his school pal, Richard Allen. The two friends went in to business together, opening Dixie Painting and Contracting, and later the Civil War Store. Jack and Richard were friends and business partners for 50 years. Jack was a meticulous, hard-working man with an eye for beauty and detail. He took pride in his work and his good name.

Jack’s life was forever changed when he met his true love, Judy Newton. When they married in 1979, Jack gained another set of parents, Thelma and Gene Newton. He admired them and loved them dearly. Jack and Judy raised two wonderful children, Kevin Joseph and Katie Ryan Doherty. He was so proud of them. Family meant everything to Jack. When his grandchildren, Taylor Ann and Landon, were born, he was over the moon.

Jack was a man of few words. His deep voice and hilarious sense of humor made him a great story-teller. He loved stirring up political debate with his brothers. He poked, they got fired up, and Jack would just sit back and grin. We’ll forever miss that grin.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Judy Newton Doherty of Stephens, GA; son, Kevin Joseph Doherty and his fiancé Ashley of Grovetown, GA; daughter, Katie Ryan Doherty of Portland, OR; mother, Ethel Dunbar Doherty of Winchester, VA; siblings: Mimi Fox of Washington State, Pat Tuccio of Round Hill, VA, Kate Doherty of Annapolis, MD, Mick Doherty of Portland, OR, Theresa West of Falls Church, VA, Julie Doherty of Washington, DC, Biddie Doherty of Forest Ridge, VA, and Larry Doherty of Gainesville, FL; and two grandchildren: Taylor Doherty and Landon Doherty.

In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by brother, Kevin Doherty.

A private memorial service to celebrate his life will be held.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is assisting the family of Mr. John Timothy “Jack” Doherty, Jr.