He was born on Nov. 16, 1924 in Heppner to Neil and Margery Doherty.
He was raised and attended schools in Ione, graduating in the class of 1942. He served in the United States Army during World War II in Germany before his honorable discharge, when he returned to Ione. He enrolled in Eastern Oregon State College in LaGrande, where he earned his bachelor degree in education. He married Jena Haight in Portland.
He taught elementary school in Island City for two years and then one year in Grants Pass before settling in Pendleton in the mid-1950’s. He was the principal at McKay Creek Elementary School for a time before transferring as principal to Hawthorne Elementary School, where he remained until his retirement in 1986.
He enjoyed fishing, camping, going to the cabin in the mountains and fixing things around the house. He was a devoted and loving caregiver to his wife Jena for several years before she passed in 2015. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ione American Legion, Friends of the Pendleton Library and the Pendleton Elks Lodge.
He is survived by his son, Robert L. Doherty, Hermiston; brothers, Matthew Doherty and wife Doris, Hermiston, and Bill Doherty, Puyallup, Wash.; sister, Rosemary Peterson, Portland; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jena Doherty, his parents, and six siblings: Charlie, Neil, Mary, Anne, Helen and James.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Monday, April 10, 2017 at 7 p.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 800 SE Court Ave., Pendleton.
Burial with military honors will follow at Olney Cemetery, Pendleton.
Those who wish may make contributions in John’s memory to Diabetes Research.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
