[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 18, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF JAMES DOHERTY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 18, 2025

  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of James Doherty--a remarkable public servant and family man whose 
perseverance and loyalty will continue to serve as an example for all 
those hoping to make a change in the world. A graduate of Bishop Timon-
St. Jude High School and Buffalo State University, Mr. Doherty went 
into the world wanting to make a difference. Upon graduation, he worked 
as a special education teacher at South Park High School until he ran 
for office.
  Mr. Doherty was the youngest elected At-Large Councilman in the 
Buffalo Common Council. During his tenure, he was a fierce advocate for 
the people he represented, especially the most vulnerable in our 
community, Including women, people of color, and anyone who was 
disenfranchised. He always kept a picture of his two beloved daughters, 
Brigid and Leah, behind his desk. Whenever someone came in with a 
request, he would point to the photo and say: ``I do everything for 
those two, so make sure whatever you're asking of me I can be proud to 
share with them.''
  Mr. Doherty would go on to be a mentor and a friend to many and 
remained active in city policymaking, inspiring generations of civic-
minded Buffalonians. After retiring from politics, Jimmy led a selfless 
career in student transportation, holding executive roles at National 
School Bus, Laidlaw Education Service, and later First Student. Each 
Fall, Western New Yorkers could rely on Jimmy to help them usher in a 
safe return to school. A president of the Wanakah Country Club, Jimmy 
was an avid golfer and passionate sports fan.
  When he wasn't helping others, he could be found on the green with 
his favorite golf partner and best friend, his brother Jerry. Jimmy is 
survived by his beloved wife Marleah, his devoted children Brigid 
Doherty and Leah Roberts, his loving grandchildren, Haley and Sophia 
Jones, and Anna and Harrison Roberts, as well as countless other 
nieces, nephews, family members, and friends. Jimmy's loyalty to his 
family and devotion to his city made him a model leader--one whom all 
Buffalonians can look up to with pride and admiration.

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