James “Doc” Norman Dougherty

James “Doc” Norman Dougherty, 88, of Medford, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center in Owen. 

A celebration of life for Doc will take place at the new Medford VFW Post 5729, 240 S 8th St, Medford, on Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM.

Doc was born on September 25, 1937, to Bernard and Normandie (Hessler) Dougherty, grew up in Hegg, WI and graduated from Blair High School in 1955.  He joined the US Navy and served on the USS Benham, a DD-796 Fletcher Class destroyer, until 1957. He then attended UW-River Falls where he met the love of his life, Bernice “B” Amundson. He transferred to the University of Minnesota and after marrying Bernice in 1961, he graduated in 1963 with a doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine. They moved to Galesville, Wisconsin, where he practiced veterinary medicine for one year before joining the Medford Veterinary Clinic. He expertly served our large farming community for over 35 years. 

In addition to the career he loved, Doc was deeply involved in the Medford and Holcombe communities, always offering time and talent to support organizations and neighbors in need. He worked hard to spearhead change for projects most important to him. As an active member of the Lake Holcombe Improvement Association, he worked with the WI DNR on a successful experiment to control the spread of milfoil in Pine Lake and Lake Holcombe. An avid outdoorsman, Doc enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, and spending time at the lake and in the woods with his dog. He loved his family, his friends and his life’s work.

Doc was a great man, well-known for his distinctive voice, powerful presence and sense of humor. He will be forever remembered by all, especially his wife of 64 years, Bernice “B” (Amundson) Dougherty, his three daughters: Theresa (Patrick) Brunetto, Colleen (Lorin) Dettmering, and Mary Jo Dougherty; his siblings: sister Mary Tranberg, brothers J. Michael (Carol) Dougherty, Jerry (Cheryl) Dougherty, and John (Peggy) Dougherty; nine grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.  

James was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Normandie Dougherty. 

Our family is very grateful for the kind and gracious care Doc received from everyone at Aspirus Medford Hospital, Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center, and Hope Hospice. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Doc's name may be given to the VFW Post 5729 New Building Fund.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.

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