Roll Call Tribute

James Ray "Jim" Daugherty, Col. USAF (Ret) 

August 20, 1940 - November 7, 2025 

James Ray “Jim" Daugherty, Colonel (USAF, Ret) passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7th, 2025 at the age of 85, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. We will remember him as generous, loving, and principled - a proud Texan, Aggie, and father. We are relieved that he is no longer suffering and thankful that he is now at peace in Heaven.

“Jimmy Ray”, as he was known as a child, was the oldest child and only son of the late Henry “Hank” Daugherty and Fern Robinson (née Duvall). He was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and lived most of his childhood in Houston, Texas. He was a graduate of Sam Houston High School (1958) and nearly pursued the priesthood before graduating from Texas A&M University in 1962. At Texas A&M he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and upon graduation was commissioned as an officer in the US Air Force. Jim served his country with distinction, including a tour in Vietnam, and received multiple commendations, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters.

Jim met and married his beloved wife of 51 years, the late Sandra Jane “Sandee” Daugherty (née Harrington) in 1972 after they met while both living at Dolly Madison Towers and commuting together to their jobs at The Pentagon. In their spare time together they were champion bowlers and avid world travelers. Dad was also an avid racquetball player and golfer.

During his active duty service, Jim also earned a master’s degree from George Washington University, and was an instructor for the University of Maryland. After 26 years of military life as an accounting and finance officer in stations across the United States, Europe, and Asia, he retired from active duty in 1988 and settled in Fairfax, Virginia, where he pursued civilian careers as an accountant and consultant in both the private and public sectors.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Sandee. He is survived by two sons James (Kelly) and Rob (Sue); grandchildren Conor, Meghan, Alison, and Kelsie; sister Jody; sister-in-law Susan; brother-in-law Dusty (Jeannie); nieces Tammy, Susy, Quincey, Heather, Jennifer and nephew Todd.

Jim will be interred alongside Sandee at Arlington Cemetery.