Detective Sergeant Dougherty, age 41, of West Greenwich, died Sunday, March 14, 2010, of injuries sustained from an automobile accident. He was the beloved husband, and best friend, of Diane M. (Napolillo) Dougherty, Detective Corporal, Rhode Island State Police. They were married for fourteen ½ years.

Born in Newport, Rhode Island, he was a son of retired Rhode Island State Police Lieutenant James L. Dougherty, Sr., and Dale (Richardson) Dougherty of Newport.

Jim was a member of the 1990 Training Academy Class and after graduating was assigned to uniform patrol. In 1995, he was selected for assignment to the Detective Bureau, where he served in the Narcotics Unit, Intelligence Unit, Major Crimes Unit, Violent Fugitive Task Force, Lottery Investigations and A.C.I. Investigations. In 2004, he was promoted to Corporal and assigned to the Wickford Barracks as a Shift Supervisor. In 2008, he was promoted to Detective Sergeant and assigned as supervisor in the Narcotics Unit. During his career, Sergeant Dougherty earned many commendations for his investigative abilities.

He was a 1986 graduate of Rogers High School, where he participated in varsity Football, Hockey and Baseball. He continued his education at Salve Regina University, and earned a B.S and Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University.

Sergeant Dougherty devoted much of his off duty time giving back to the community as a football coach in the Pop Warner Football league. He coached the Edgewood Eagles to a 2008 undefeated season to win the RI / SE Mass Championship, and also devoted time to the Exeter/ West Greenwich Youth Football League. He also coached the Pee Wee division.

Beside his wife and parents, he leaves a brother, Steven J. Dougherty and his wife Shauna; a sister, Kimberly Dougherty; two nephews, Casey Dougherty and Raj Napolillo; four nieces, Alycia Dougherty, Courtney Clarke, Sarah Napolillo and Maya Napolillo; mother in law Dorothy Napolillo; father in law E. Richard Napolillo and his wife Lauren; brother in laws Dr. David Napolillo and his wife Dr Jaimni Desai and Richard Napolillo.

The funeral was held Thursday, March 18, 2010 from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, with a Mass of Christian Burial following in SS John & Paul Church in Coventry. Burial was in Saint Joseph Cemetery in West Greenwich, RI.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the West End Community Center, 109 Bucklin Street, Providence, RI 02907 in his memory will be appreciated.