Obituary: Fr. James W. Dougherty

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Fr. James W. Dougherty

The Rev. Fr. James Walter Dougherty, age 84, late of Romeoville, and a lifelong Priest of the Diocese of Joliet, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at his residence in Romeoville.

Born September 18, 1941, in Joliet, he was the son of Joseph and Lucille (Novak) Dougherty, and was baptized at the Church of St. Anthony, Joliet. He attended St. Raymond Grade School, Joliet, Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary, Chicago, and St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, Mundelein, IL.

Fr. Dougherty was ordained a priest for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet in Illinois on May 27, 1967, by Bishop Romeo Blanchette, at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus.

Father Jim began his ministry serving as Parochial Vicar at Immaculate Conception Parish, Elmhurst, from 1967 to 1970; followed by appointments as Parochial Vicar at St. Walter Parish, Roselle, from 1970 to 1976; and St. Dominic Parish, Bolingbrook, from 1976 to 1980. In 1980, he was named Founding Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Bolingbrook, where he served until 1990; followed by assignments as Pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Joliet, from 1990 to 2002; and St. Petronille Parish, Glen Ellyn from 2002 to 2019. Since 2019, he has been In Residence at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Romeoville.

During his years in the ministry, Fr. Dougherty served as Master of Ceremonies to the Bishops for events held in DuPage County and was a member and past chairman of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Assembly #209 of DuPage County.

Father Jim will be remembered as a good man, a great mentor, and a respected and dedicated priest who served God faithfully. Thursdays spent at his cabin on the Kankakee River, and his love for linguini and clams, and veal and polenta will be favorite memories of a life well lived.

Surviving are his nephew, Kevin (Julie) Hollinger of Defiance, MO; his nieces, Catherine (Jim Gerbershagen) Hollinger of Ladera Ranch, CA, and Michelle (Jason) Oglesby of O’Fallon, MO; great-niece, Cora Belle Hollinger; great-nephews, Noble and Lincoln Hollinger and Macklin Parks; a cousin, Corrine (Joe) Rende; and many dear friends made throughout his 59 years in ministry.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his dear sister, Mary (Bruce) Hollinger; and a niece, Joelle Hollinger.

Visitation for Fr. Dougherty will be held Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1501 W. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, IL, where a Wake Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Additional visitation will take place Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., at the church, followed by his Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. The Most Reverend Dennis E. Spies, Apostolic Administrator and Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Joliet will officiate. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville.

Memorials in Fr. Dougherty’s name to the Diocese of Joliet Priest’s Health and Retirement Fund, 16555 Weber Road, Crest Hill, IL 60403 (Diocese of Joliet) or St. Patrick’s Residence, 1400 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563 (St. Patrick's Residence) would be greatly appreciated.

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com

where you may leave an online condolence or share a favorite memory.

·Visit Fred C. Dames on Facebook​

·Order Flowers​

·Healing Resources​