Arnold James “Jim” Doty, 75, of Spotsylvania, passed away at his home on Wednesday, February 6, 2019.
Jim was born on March 4, 1943 in Potlatch, Idaho, the oldest child to Leonard and Elizabeth (Strong) Doty. He left Potlatch in 1961 to serve his country in the U.S. Army for 22 years, including two tours of duty as a Combat Engineer in Vietnam, before retiring in 1983. Jim had a post-military career as an auto service manager before fully retiring in 2005. He would be most proud of his work in his senior years, volunteering and working tirelessly to help other veterans get aid and assistance owed to them. Jim was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3103 in Fredericksburg, the Disabled American Veterans General Washington Chapter 7 in Fredericksburg, and American Legion Post 320 in Spotsylvania.
Survivors include his wife of more than 54 years, Katharina (Fritz) Doty; the five children they raised together, Caroline Laperle, Robert (Karen), Cynthia Rakes (Richard), Catherine Rowling, and James; seven grandchildren, Jason Laperle (Regan), Erica Laperle, Michelle Doty, Matthew Doty (Megan), Zachery, Madeline, and Hunter Rakes; one great-grandchild, Jahvon Laperle; four sisters; and countless cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, one brother, and his son-in-law, Steven Laperle.
The family will receive friends from 5 pm to 7 pm on Sunday, February 10 at Covenant Funeral Service Fredericksburg. A funeral service will be held at noon on Monday, February 11 at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service in Quantico National Cemetery.
A reception will follow at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3103, 2701 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, Va.