James Michael Dougher, Sr.

James M. Dougher, Sr., 90, of Scranton, passed away peacefully at Allied Hospice in Scranton, surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was the beloved husband of Catherine Gray Dougher, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.

Born in Dunmore, James was the son of the late Edward and Mary Dougher. His working life included service as a U.S. Merchant Mariner, as well as work as a longshoreman. A state-certified master plumber, he owned and operated James Dougher Plumbing & Heating for more than 40 years before retiring. He was also a member of the Lackawanna Ancient Order of Hibernians.

James found joy in the simple pleasures of life: listening to bluegrass music, boating on Lake Wallenpaupack and the St. Lawrence River, fishing with his sons, taking trips to the shore, cruising, and reading. He had a green thumb and loved tending to his sunflowers, oak trees, lilacs, and tomatoes. He was also an enthusiastic NASCAR and New York Yankees fan.

A legend in his own time, James had a gift for storytelling. His stories sometimes grew a little with the telling, but each was better than the last, bringing laughter and joy to those around him.

Above all, James loved his family. His greatest happiness was found in his children and his beloved wife, whom he affectionately called “Catherine the Great.” He recently celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by his family and friends—a cherished gathering in honor of a life filled with love. His family will remember him as a peaceful man whose gentle spirit and positive outlook were an example to them all.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Andrea Rogers and her husband, Pat; Amanda Leslie and her husband, Troy; Veronica Rood and her husband, John; Tammy Dougher; Randy Dougher; Toni; Linda; and Michael; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sisters, Margaret Paranisi, Mary Ellen Coelho, Jane Sabatelle, Pat Cardoni, and Martha Dougher; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his children, Timothy Dougher, William McNeice, James Dougher, Jr., and Patricia Rowan; his sister, Shirley Frazier; and his brother, Edward “Duke” Dougher.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 220 Church Street, Moscow, PA 18444. Friends and family are asked to go directly to the church. Interment will follow at Abington Hills Cemetery in South Abington Township.

Family and friends may pay their respects Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 418 South State Street, Clarks Summit.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Allied Services Hospice, Scranton.