Jay Ryan Doherty

Jay Doherty, 43, passed away on September 1, 2026.

Above all else, Jay was a devoted dad to his sons, Cole and Connor, who were his greatest joy. He loved watching their activities, cheering them on, and celebrating every success, big or small. Being their father was the role he treasured most in life.

Jay faced some incredibly difficult health challenges, including ALS, but he never let them take away his love of life. Positive, practical, smart, and funny, Jay could always be counted on for a dad joke and he wasn't afraid to mix in a little dark humor when life called for it. Through it all, he truly lived by his motto: “Life is Good!”

A graduate of Western Illinois University, Jay worked as a police officer and later as a fraud investigator. Jay loved spending time with family and friends, playing with his dog, Finn, and going all out decorating for Christmas.

Jay is survived by his sons, Cole and Connor; his parents, Jim and Paula Doherty; his sisters, Julie (Eric) Ledermann and Jacqueline (Matthew) Koster; his nieces and nephew, Eily, Tessa, Kye, and Wren; his grandmother, Judy Schlarb; his loving aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his many cherished friends, whose incredible friendship and support meant so much to Jay and his family.

Jay will be deeply missed and remembered for his humor, gratitude for the people in his life, and most of all, the tremendous love and pride he had for Cole and Connor.

Visitation will be held Monday, September 7, from 2:00–6:00 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home & Crematory, 950 S. Bartlett Rd. Bartlett, Illinois. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, September 8, at 11:00 a.m. at Resurrection Catholic Church, 30W350 Army Trail Rd, Wayne, IL. Cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jay’s memory to the Les Turner ALS Foundation https://lesturnerals.org/get-involved/ways-to-donate/ or the ALS Association.