James Revard Daugherty

Jim Daugherty, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully in Claremore, Okla., at the age of 91 on Nov. 30, 2025. The youngest of three children, he was born on May 31, 1934, in Tulsa, Okla., to Thomas W. Daugherty and Velva O’Dell Fenton-Daugherty.

At the age of 18, Jim joined the U.S. Air Force where he served an 8-year career and left with an honorable discharge in 1960. During that time, he married Betty Jean Dilldine on Oct. 22, 1954, in Tahlequah, Okla. Their nearly 70-year marriage provided them with many blessings, most importantly their three sons, Guy, Arnie and Jimmy.

Jim was known for his determination and strong work ethic. In 1957, the same year Guy was born, he and Betty bought 40 acres of land northeast of Claremore. There, Jim built his young family’s home by hand and he did it without going deep into debt. A great example for many of us today. He worked 29 years for the same company before retiring from Byron Jackson Pump Division, where he assembled pumps.

During retirement, he and Betty always planted a vegetable garden and usually had a few livestock. In his spare time, he loved reading westerns, especially if they were by Louis L’Amour. He and Betty also attended church regularly, where he taught Sunday school and served as secretary.

Jim also loved a couple of different types of sports. Anyone who knew him knew he was passionate about his guns. He was always on the hunt for the next piece to add to his collection. Poor Betty would jump out of her skin whenever he was outside firing them. His sons, Arnie and Jimmy, say their dad had been an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, for as long as they can remember.

More than anything Jim will be remembered as a quiet man, with a gentle nature and a giving heart.

Jim is survived by his beloved family, including sons, Arnie Daugherty of Bartlesville, Okla., and Jimmy and Sharon Daugherty of Verdigris, Okla. He was a loving grandfather to six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, son, Guy Daugherty; parents, Thomas and Velva Daugherty; and siblings, Thomas Daugherty Jr. and sister Jean Daugherty-Ferrel.

The family extends a special thank you to The Courtyards and their staff for their compassionate care of Jim.

Funeral services are 10 a.m., Friday, Dec. 5 at MMS Payne Funeral Home, 102 W. 5th St., Claremore, Oklahoma.