John J. Dougherty “Coach Doc”, 65, of Lakeland passed away on March 28, 2013 under the care of Good Shepherd Hospice.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, he moved to Gainesville, FL as a child. He graduated from the Univ. of Florida with a BA in Education and was a US Marine Corps veteran of Vietnam. Coach Doc retired from the Polk County School System after 38 years as a High School Teacher and Coach. He taught at Santa Fe Catholic, Mulberry, Kathleen, and George Jenkins High Schools. He was head of the Drivers’ Education Program for the county school system for 17 years. He was a member of Kiwanis and served as a Key Club Advisor. He enjoyed fishing, Gator sports, and his grandchildren.
Survivors include his son, Jason; and daughter, Michelle Dougherty Oliver, both of Lakeland; four brothers, Ricky, Michael, Billy, and Robbie; two sisters, Linda Atchinson and Donna Van Ryzin; and four grandchildren, Taylor, Madison, Justin, and Joey.
Services for Coach will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, April 5, 2013 at Highland Park Church-Nazarene, 4777 Lakeland Highlands Road, 33813. Military Honors will follow at 2:00 PM at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell.
Please sign the guestbook below.
Dad,
Thank you for always being there for me. I will never forget all the times we played catch, had batting practice, shot hoops in the backyard, went fishing and watched Gator games together. You were the best Dad and Coach a son could ever ask for. I am so proud of all the things you stood for and the man you were. It was an honor to be your son and I will always be proud to call you my Daddy!! I promise you that I will teach Justin and Joey what it is to give your all and never quit like their “Pop Pop” taught me so many times. They are so lucky to have you watching over them. I love you!! “Feed ’em Fish”
Your Son.
Hi Jack, I just learned in the last week how much you followed the course of my life in recent years and how you watched out for me when I was a kid. It means a lot to me to know that. You were a good man and a good father. Say hi to Mom for me…..
Your little brother Robbie
Hi Jack, I just learned in the last week how much you followed the course of my life in recent years and how you watched out for me when I was a kid. It means a lot to me to know that. You were a good man and a good father. Say hi to Mom for me…..
Your little brother Robbie
Dear Dad,
I will miss seeing your face and hearing your voice everyday. I keep finding myself wondering why I haven’t heard from you throughout the day and then I remember.. I hope you know thatI love you with all my heart and am going to miss you dearly. Thank you for always being there for me and loving my girls with everything you had. I am so proud of you and promise to keep you with us forever in our hearts..I love you, Michelle
Coach… the man who never gave up on me. God speed….
Doc, your gentle nature and love of all kids has been sorely missed since you retired from GJHS. You were a credit to the Marines and GJHS. We will miss you even more now.
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JACK. WE KNEW SOMETHING WAS NOT RIGHT BUT DIDN’T KNOW WHAT. HE JUST WANTED TO STAY BY HIMSELF THIS YEAR AND THAT WAS NOT LIKE HIM. WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Rest In Peace, Coach
You have always been in my thoughts.
God speed, my friend.
With a heavy heart, I remain.
Doc,
It was a pleasure to have known you closely the years i was at GJ. It was great being your teacher’s aid in 2004. You had your ways and I, believe it or not, learned a bit from you.
Thanks for ALL! and may you RIP.
-Dominick, GJ co 2004
Coach Doc was an incredible person and teacher. He made my high school years that much better and was one of my favorite teachers at George Jenkins. I was his TA for two years and he continued to keep in touch as i went on to college. He was always kind and made everyone laugh. He will be greatly missed.
Doc,
It was a pleasure to have known you closely the years i was at GJ. It was great being your teacher’s aid in 2004. You had your ways and I, believe it or not, learned a bit from you.
Thanks for ALL! and may you RIP.
-Dominick, GJ co 2004
Coach taught me at Mulberry High School and 2 of my kids At George Jenkins. He was the most pleasant man, teacher I’ve ever came across. I saw him a few times while he worked at Jenkins and it was a pleasure. My kids loved him just as I. Gona miss you Coach.
My teacher my coach a great man that will be missed by his students and team….Everyone always looked forward to his class and loved taking driver ed with him….So sorry for his loss rest in peace Coach
Please accept our condolences on the loss of Coach Doc. We pray that the peace of the Lord be with you all during this time of bereavement.
Coach Doc was my teacher at GJHS. A great teacher and person. I have countless memories about him nothing but fun times. You will be truly missed coach doc.
Coach Doc,
You were an AMAZING mentor all 4 years I attended George Jenkins. You were funny, you gave great advice and ALWAYS had solutions for problems. Thank you so much for being such a great teacher and a great man. You have inspired many people.
Coach Doc you were an amazing teacher, Key Club Sponsor, and person. I enjoyed being your TA in 2000 after you helped me drop Algebra 2 because I didn’t need the credit anyway. =) I appreciate the advice you gave me while I worked at GJ for a year. I always enjoyed talking about the Gators and sports in general with you. I am now a coachteacher and hope to have the same positive influence on others lives. Ren Nolte CO 2000.
Our thought and prayers are with you and your family. Class of 1990.
You were always the “cool” teacher! On behalf of all of your students, Thank you. As for me personally, I got to learn what it means to truly be competitive at a level I never knew existed. My kids will benefit from my lessons with you. I’m truly honored to have known you, and your son will be a friend for life. Also coach, I didn’t wreck your cougar! It was Jason!
Words are inadequate to express my sadness for your loss. My heart is with you and your family. Jack is and will always be part of my childhood memories.
He was one of my favorite teachers at George Jenkins, and always had the best advice and was so funny. I believe anyone that crossed his path in life was blessed. He was an amazing person and will be missed. His family is in my thoughts and prayers. R.I.P. Coach Doc.
Coach Doc!! <3 You taught me about Biology, Softball, and what it meant to be a "good sport" in every aspect of the word. :)From the laughs we shared in class, to the words you yelled at me during softball practice, haha, you are one of the many reasons high school was so great! Your commitment to your students, and to myself, helped shaped me into the person I am today. I am grateful. My coldolences to your family and friends, you will be truly missed by all. God Bless. ~ Sincerely, Alaina Bentley.
Coach you were my Favorite!!! I will never forget you and what a GREAT man you were. YOu will never be forgotten. Sitting here I remember what you said to me after you found out that you were teaching my daughter. It was so funny. You always were there when we need a laugh our just to talk. I will miss you. My prayers go out to your family because I know you are in a better place then us and I know their loss is great. Now you can watch over all of us again. Love you COACH
Coach, you were my favorite teacher during my years at GJHS (co 1999). You were an amazing teacher and always was willing to listen and help when you could. You have touched many lives in your journey here on Earth and you will be missed by many. RIP COACH DOC…you won’t be forgotten.
Coach Doc it has truly borough tears to my eyes. You were truly the best!!! You were the favorite by far and your amazing legacy will not end! You were a role model a gentleman and an amazing man when it came to telling it like it is. I wish you a blessed afterlife and may your soul rest in peace <3 Love Always! Caitlan T. Ackloo Class of 2007 **thank u for everything **
Coach Doc taught me Driver’s Ed, in addition to coaching me in football and basketball. You will be greatly missed, sir, but remembered.
Michelle, Jason and Families;
You are in our thoughts and prayers
Love;
Bob, Dana, Ryan, Ricky and Robby St.Pierre
p.s. Doc… We sure could have used a little Devine Intervention… Maybe NEXT year… Gooo Gators!!!
I’m so sad to hear the news of Coach Doc’s passing, he was a teacher that I liked more than a lot of friends I had in high school. I had the pleasure of having his class several times and even occasionally cutting a different class to go sit in Coach Doc’s. I can’t think of a bigger loss for the school system. It’s a sad day, you touched so many young people in a positive way and you are truly missed.
Coach was my biology teacher sometime around 2006. He was an awesome teacher. So funny and caring. He let me make coffee every class and he continuously bought pop tarts for us even though I was the only one that ate them. You’ll be missed. God bless and comfort family and friend during this time.
Coach Doc, you were a happy face in the halls and classroom of GJHS and such a positive coach on the field. You will be greatly missed and from all the baseball and softball stories, you are having a blast playing or watching baseball in heaven! You made an impact on a lot of young athletes that met. You will be greatly missed.
Coach Doc was my Driver’s Ed teacher at Kathleen. He always kept us laughing and was such a great teacher. Him and Coach New some taught our class together. God bless you and your family Coach. You will be missed!!
Coach Doc was a great guy. My first memory of Doc is being in fourth grade at Mulberry Elementary and playing this game that was a cross of soccer & football. It was called “Daugherty ball”. He was a very spirited man and will forever be in my memories. He leaves behind a very beautiful and well loved family.
1 of the Best teachers I’ve ever met!! Great Great Man
Amazing teacher, much better man. Taught life lessons that have left an impact on me. An inspiration. Sad to hear this news.
I had Coach Doc for a teacher in both 9th grade and 12th grade. It was both a great way to enter high school and a great way to go out! He was an amazing man, teacher and friend. My condolances to his family during this difficult time.
Thanks Coach for being such an important influence in my life. You were my favorite teacher and coach, but you believed in me more like a parent would. You encouraged me like no one could and gave me the confidence I needed to become a leader. You are a big reason I become a Gator and we are your boys forever..
Coach Doc was a great guy! I enjoyed having him teach me how to drive as well as having him as a science teacher. He will be missed greatly!
Coach Doc was the best teacher! He will be missed and the night stars shine brighter tonight!
You were an amazing teacher and touched many lives you made biology easy n fun… n drivers ed was a blast :) You will be truly missed
Wow… I am so sad.. You were a wonderful man we had some good times throughout school… U will truly be missed…. Rip u r in a better place now…
High school was a crazy time, coach you made it more interesting, I’m glad I got to meet such a wonderful person and spend so much time with you before I graduated. you were a great friend and an amazing teacher that touched many lives. You told me many great story’s and taught me many life lessons and you lived a very fulfilling life. It was an honor to be your student and you will never be forgotten.
Coach Doc was a great guy. He loved working with the kids at his school. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Coach, you will be missed dearly. Thanks for all the memories. Your humor and wit are second to none.
Coach Doc, Like so many others you were one of the best teachers we had at GJHS. You will truly be missed, not many teachers leave such an impression on their students like you did. I’m sure your having a blast up there only the best for someone like you. May you always rest in peace. Ashley.
Doc, I’m gonna miss you. You always made me laugh. I loved when you would show up in my classroom…. You taught my Santa Fe friends how to drive and then We taught together at Kathleen HS and GJHS…… You were such a ray of Sunshine……. Love ya,Pal.
One of the first people I met when I started at Jenkins years ago, You were a good man, class act, that was definitely a campus and community favorite! I can remember many good times over the years! The thing that will always stand out to me was your willingness to help. I’m not sure you ever said no to helping anyone! Not many people out there like that any more! Your impact and legacy on lives will be felt for generations, which is the basic principle of any good teachercoach! I’m glad you can RIP now, and can only imagine the stories you are sharing!
Coach Doc –
The man who made learning fun, and the reason I was never “sick” on Green Days. 5th Period Biology, right after lunch, always felt like lunch and a show. To me it seemed like you could never be truly mad at a student, even though we seemed to drive you nuts at times. I lost count of how many referrals I earned in your class, but you still greeted me every 5th period, shook my hand in the hallways, and one final shake at Graduation. This world lost an outstanding individual. Thanks for everything, and rest easy Coach….you deserve it.
Coach Doc was an awesome man, coach, and teacher. I had the privlege to be a student and player for him at Mulberry HS. He and other coaches at MHS influenced me to get in the coaching profession as well. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family. He was a good one! Heaven has another great coach!
My thoughts and prayers to the family.
I will always remember the honor he give to me, Coach Doc asked me to play taps at his fathers funeral.You will be truely missed.
Coach was an amazing person to know. No matter how big or small my problem was, I knew I could go to him with it and it would soon be solved. He always kept me laughing, encouraged me to push myself, and not second guess what I felt was right. He taught us alot more than what was in the text books, and never gave up on us even when others had. I’ll always appreciate that. Rest in peace Coach.
One of my favorite coach in my whole childhood in mulberry.
Jason and family,
We are praying for you all.
Our love,
Kristina and Chris Ramsey
Jack “Pop pop”,
I’m sorry you had to go so soon, but I know God must have needed a coach and from what I hear he picked a great one! I wish you could have been a part of my boys life longer but know that they will cherish the memories they have with you! I also know you were very proud of them and they will carry on the Dougherty legacy…maybe not the one where they go to UF thou ;-) Also thank you for caring about me and although life changed and our roads turned different directions I do know you cared and appreciate the times you were there for me. You were a great influence on many and I know Jason will make sure the boys know all of yr accomplishments and how much you loved all of yr grandchildren! Please look over my babies and keep them safe! Rest in Peace Now….
Love Always,
Michelle
Doc,
Your friendship was a blessing to me.You made staff meeting at Jenkins the best. Most of all I want to Thank You for always welcoming into your classroom to talk about your beloved Gators.Your friendship will be missed. RIP my friend, GEAUX Coach Doc.
Doc will be missed by countless students & educators! Loved getting to know him better when he supported tennis matches – and especially sharing funny stories when he taught my daughter how to drive. Prayers and sympathy to his wonderful family. God Bless.
Coach Doc, in a big adjustment period of my life you were the first teacher I ever had a George Jenkins High School my sophmore year. It was not only a blessing having you as my first teacher in a new school, but more of a mentor and friend. Your legacy has left an impact on so many of us as students and young adults now. You were always there to crack a joke and make us laugh. I remember plenty of times throughout the course of my time there going by your room just to catch up and talk. You always made time for all of us and it speaks volumes of the type of man you were. Thanks for the memories. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Coach Doc was a great teacher, leader, and coach. I remember him fondly and the fun times had by all that he inspired.
Coach Doc,
You were my second father. If Jason and I were not at my house playing football, rest assured we could be found at yours. You taught us soccer, you took us fishing, but most importantly, you taught is how to be men. Your family is my family, always has been, always will be. You are missed more than you could have ever imagined. Save a place on your team for me.
I was a student of coach Doc,about 16~15 years ago!! He was such a great teacher,advisor,and an all around great person!! I know not only did he make such an impact on my life,but I’m sure he did with every student he ever had and with everyone that was lucky enough to have known him!! Coach Doc will always be my favorite teacher and will never be forgotten!! Prayers to his family, and always know he was loved by so many!!
Dear Jack,
I’m so glad I was able to come see you and spend time I hope in comforting you. We had a great talk and as it always goes mostly about our teaching days! Of course we talked a lot about the wonderful grandsons we have, Justin and Joey, too!! Don’t worry I will share thoughts and memories of you to them and they will always remember and cherish you in their hearts. The joy in your eyes as you spoke of how proud you were and how much you loved all 4 grandchildren, Taylor, Maddie, Justin, and Joey, was evident!
Also, Bruce, you, and I had some good times together that I know meant a lot to all of us.
I remember too how much you loved Thanksgiving dinners at my house. One day that I actually cook!!
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of your family. Jason and Michelle were truly devoted, loving kids as I’m sure you knew.
God Bless
Love, Patti
Coach Doc was my soccer coach at Kathleen High back in ’86-’88. I have nothing but fond memories of those soccer seasons; the games, the road trips, the mandatory “Feed ’em fish” before every game. He was a great coach and wonderful person and will be missed by everyone who knew him. My heart goes out to Michelle, Jason and family at this difficult time. Thanks for all the great memories coach!
Pat Ball co 88
I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.
Vince Lombardi
Coach Doc, I cannot help but think of you when reading this quote. I know you are resting peacefully now feeling “victorious”. You are leaving behind your greatest accomplishments and the world is a better place for that, of course I am referring to your children.You raised and touched your daughters life in ways only great Dads can. And you coached and influenced your son in ways that words cannot describe.I think to be a great man you must be shown what a great man really is and I see everyday Jason was truly “coached” by a great man.They will both make you proud as you watch over them to witness the growth of your grandchildren.They will make sure to be there as you were for them, they will love them, teach them and protect them everyday,just as you did for them.I could not be prouder to have become a part of your family and am so grateful for having known you.You will be missed by more than you can count! We all know you will be with us at the next game, GO GATORS!!
Coach Doc, you were such an awesome manteacher. I always appreciated your genuine kindness & interestcare for your students. You made High School so much better. Everytime you saw me, you always stopped & talked to me, you will never know how much that truely meant to me. I know you are in a much better place now, enjoy it. We all see you again one day & when I do, I look forward to many more of your crazy stories. You will be dearly missed. Your family is in my thoughts & prayers. God Bless!
Jason and Michelle, We are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was a wonderful man and was so proud of both of you and his grandchildren. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
R.I.P. “Doc”. You’ve left behind a legacy and have put smiles on many faces. You will be missed.
Jack: You were a good guy. I am glad we had time togather , to talk , share children, grandchrilden, and life’s ups and downs. you taught me lesons, I needed to understand .you shared often your love for all your fimily,your life revolved around them . sorry you had to go so soon , save a place for me . we will all see you again.
Dear Maddie, I am very sorry that you lost someone you loved so much and was so special to you!!! I wanted to come to the funeral tomorrow but cant :( your are in my thoughts and prayers!!!
Love Robby St.Pierre
p.s. maybe someday you can come over and we can see Winter the dolphin together.
Jackie, I just wanted to say how saddened I am that I didn’t get to know you as a teacher. I can see from the many commentsentries that you touched so many lives (both students and teachers alike). I’m thankful to Michelle and Jason for allowing me to spend time with you in your last days. You loved your family so much and looked forward to spending time with them. May you rest in peace, Jac. I love you and will miss you always………
Very difficult to say goodbye to your brother. Must be much more difficult for the family to say goodbye. You’re one of the greatest athletes I’ve ever seen. When you get recruited from my Alabama bear Bryant. You know you’re good. I wish your students and faculty could’ve had the opportunity’s see you play sports. Specially baseball. Remember when you play for Santa Fe community college. Rest in peace mode brother billy
Coach Doc started the first Varsity Soccer Team at Kathleen High School in 1986. I had the honor to play and start on that team. With a new program there was a lot of things to figure out. But Coach Doc made us a team and I will always be grateful.
25 years later – I still play soccer with some of my Kathleen team mates on a Sunday Adult League.
Thanks Coach
Jason & Michelle,
Always cherish the memories of your Dad. He did everything “his” way and his lessons always had a purpose. I was glad to be able to coach with him and know you both, growing up. Life is beautiful, and he will walk with you when you need him.
Ralph
Dearest Jackie, you were young and we were younger. You had such an impact on our lives with all of your letters we received from Vietnam. We looked forward to every one and couldn’t wait to write back!
Then the ritual of mom and the two of us making you cookies and popping popcorn to pack the cookies in. You always told us how your buddies couldn’t wait until your packages arrived, as you shared with all of them.
You have a beautiful family and wish that we had all kept in touch.
You were always in our hearts as your family is now.
Love and miss you, debb and Diane
“Doc”, I am so sorry for your children and your Grand children. I know that they were the light of your life. I feel so honored to have known you,to have taught with you,and to be able to call you a Friend. You reminded me of an Irish leprechaun with your impish smile, joy of life and your pranks! You were always there to help where ever needed. I bet that you are trying that quarter trick in Heaven! I will miss you my friend.
Coach Doc was a special teacher to me. I was so sad to hear of his passing. I have Wonderful memories of him in the classroom at Mulberry High School. He meant alot to me. I will never forget him! I know he is at peace in a better place now. May God comfort his children, family and friends who are left here without him.
Its been over a year now, And i’m just finding out that you passed away. I moved to Nicaragua in 2009 but I always kept you in my memories! And I hope to one day go back and see you again. I cant believe you are gone..it makes me very sad that i will not be able to see you smile again like you use to. You were my biology teacher at GJ and I saw you like the grandpa I never had. you gave me such great advice..and part of me knew that one day i was going to have to say goodbye because you always forgot to eat lunch. I use to bring lunch so that you would eat. but what hurts the most is that i never got to say goodbye! :( i know that you are watching down on us! and that you are in a such better place..a man like you cannot go anywhere else but paradise. prayers go out to your family who have lost such a awesome human being but gained a beautiful angel! Rest in Peace Coach Doc! you will always be missed!
Its been over a year now, And i’m just finding out that you passed away. I moved to Nicaragua in 2009 but I always kept you in my memories! And I hope to one day go back and see you again. I cant believe you are gone..it makes me very sad that i will not be able to see you smile again like you use to. You were my biology teacher at GJ and I saw you like the grandpa I never had. you gave me such great advice..and part of me knew that one day i was going to have to say goodbye because you always forgot to eat lunch. I use to bring lunch so that you would eat. but what hurts the most is that i never got to say goodbye! :( i know that you are watching down on us! and that you are in a such better place..a man like you cannot go anywhere else but paradise. prayers go out to your family who have lost such a awesome human being but gained a beautiful angel! Rest in Peace Coach Doc! you will always be missed!
Its been over a year now, And i’m just finding out that you passed away. I moved to Nicaragua in 2009 but I always kept you in my memories! And I hope to one day go back and see you again. I cant believe you are gone..it makes me very sad that i will not be able to see you smile again like you use to. You were my biology teacher at GJ and I saw you like the grandpa I never had. you gave me such great advice..and part of me knew that one day i was going to have to say goodbye because you always forgot to eat lunch. I use to bring lunch so that you would eat. but what hurts the most is that i never got to say goodbye! :( i know that you are watching down on us! and that you are in a such better place..a man like you cannot go anywhere else but paradise. prayers go out to your family who have lost such a awesome human being but gained a beautiful angel! Rest in Peace Coach Doc! you will always be missed!