James J. Dougherty | Longshoreman, 64

James J. "Zapper" Dougherty, 64, of South Philadelphia and Wildwood Crest, a retired longshoreman and former Mummer, died of a heart attack Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Methodist Hospital.

For 40 years, Mr. Dougherty was a longshoreman on the Delaware waterfront, where he earned the nickname "Zapper." He retired in 2008.

Mr. Dougherty grew up in South Philadelphia, strutting up Broad Street with Mummers comic divisions on New Year's Day. Later, he marched with fancy brigades until the mid-1990s. He was a graduate of Bishop Neumann (now SS. Neumann-Goretti) High School.

An avid golfer, Mr. Dougherty played at Wildwood Country Club and on vacations with friends in Myrtle Beach, S.C. He often participated in golf tournaments to benefit charities, including the Gift of Life Donor Program and the Katie Kirlin Fund, which supports children's wheelchair sports.

Since 1972, he had been married to Mary Anne Coleman Dougherty. The couple met at Moore's Inlet Club in North Wildwood.

Mr. Dougherty was president of the Sally Coleman Foundation for Catholic Education, named for his late mother-in-law. He was a member of the Greater Wildwood Elks Lodge.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Dougherty is survived by sons James "Buddy" Jr. and Christopher; a daughter, Alexis Neill; his mother, Marie; a brother; and a granddaughter.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 4, and from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 5, at Grasso Funeral Home, 2544 S. Broad St. A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at Our Lady of Mount Roman Catholic Carmel Church, 2319 S. Third St. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.