M. James Clougherty, 73
FELTON, DE - M. James Clougherty died peacefully on March 25, 2023 at Bayhealth Sussex Campus in Milford, DE, surrounded by his family.
Mr. Clougherty was born on May 22, 1949 in Pittsburgh, Pa., to Mark A. and Mary (Askin) Clougherty.
He attended the University of Dayton and graduated in 1973 with a degree in mechanical engineering. On April 12, 1975, he married Kathleen (Kopczynski) Clougherty. They moved to Delaware in 1978 and he worked at ILC Dover in Frederica for 36 years, mainly a part of projects related to the space suits used by NASA astronauts.
He was a long-time member of Holy Cross Parish in Dover, Del., and served on its finance committee for several years. As a volunteer, he developed a passion for coaching volleyball and worked with youth for more than 25 years. He was the founder of Central Delaware Juniors and coached for Premier Volleyball of Delaware and Holy Cross Junior High School.
Mr. Clougherty was also an avid blood donor through the Blood Bank of Delmarva for 24 years.
Along with his parents; he was preceded in death by a brother, Dennis Clougherty.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, of nearly 48 years; daughters, Heather Elder (David), Erin Clougherty and son Sean (Amanda.) He is also survived by four brothers, Christopher (Aileen), Brian (Sharon), John and wife (Sue), and Michael.
He had four grandchildren; Daniel and Annette Clougherty and Cameron and Avery Elder.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Cross Church, 631 South State Street, Dover, DE 19901, at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 31. Visitation will be held at Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, DE 19934 from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, and 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. on Friday, March 31.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Blood Bank of Delmarva, 221 Saulsbury Road, Dover, DE 19904, or the Holy Cross Athletics Program, 631 South State Street Dover, DE 19901.
Online condolences may be made via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.