Numerous messages of sympathy have been left in the condolences section for James Docherty, whose “kindness and love for his pupils in Willow Park will be remembered”
James Docherty, who was a well-respected member of staff at the south Dublin junior school, will be reposing at his home on Thursday, October 10 from 4pm – 7pm.
Removal on Friday morning to St Fintan’s Church, Sutton and arriving for 11am Requiem Mass will be followed by a cremation service at Glasnevin Crematorium.
His notice on RIP.ie adds that James Docherty, of Carrickbrack, Sutton, Dublin 13, and formerly of Glasgow, was pre-deceased by his dad, Peter.
It states that James who died “suddenly at Beaumont Hospital” on October 4, is the “loving and much-loved husband of Siobhán, devoted dad to Ewan, Ciara and Meghan.”
James Docherty. Photo: willowparkjuniorschool.ie
“James will be forever loved and dearly missed by his heartbroken wife and children, his mother Anne, brothers Peter, Robert (twin brother), Thomas and John, parents-in-law Tom and Margaret (Sheerin), sisters-in-law Lorraine, Maria (Murphy) and Catherine, brother-in-law Seán and Robin,” the notice reads.
It also refers to “his godchildren Conal and Robert, nieces, nephews, extended family, colleagues, ‘His Young Men’ at Willow Park Junior School, friends and especially the coaches and young players in Howth Celtic where he coached and mentored.”
Numerous messages of sympathy have been left in the condolences section for James, whose “kindness and love for his pupils in Willow Park will be remembered”.
“James was an absolute gentleman and will be sadly missed by everyone privileged to know him,” St Michael’s College, Ballsbridge wrote.
Another message reads: “I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. As a fellow parent with children in St. Fintan’s NS, I got to meet and know James and he was a great guy.
“You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this very sad and difficult time.”
Another person has written how James was “a wonderful colleague whose collegiality we benefitted from and whose company we greatly enjoyed”.
They also offered sympathy to the Willow Park and Blackrock College school communities, “on the loss of a dedicated principal, who always had the best interests of his pupils as his primary focus”.
“On behalf of the entire St. Andrew’s College community, we wish to offer our deepest condolences to Siobhan, Euan, Ciara, Megan, and the Docherty family on the sudden loss of your beloved James.”
On the school’s website a tribute reads: “We are heartbroken to share with you the news of the unexpected passing of our beloved and devoted Principal James. Our thoughts and love are with his loving wife and cherished family.
“Words cannot express grief at times like this. James was the kindest of men and tried to solve everyone’s problems. James will forever have a massive place in the heart of Willow Park. May his journey ahead bring him peace.”
Mr Docherty had been principal of Willow Park School for almost eight-and-a-half years.
He held a masters in leadership and management at Trinity College Dublin and a BA in primary school teaching from the University of Glasgow, as well as a higher national diploma in assisting multi-lingual learners to integrate into mainstream education.
