James Timothy “Tim” Daugherty

James Timothy “Tim” Daugherty

January 11, 1947 – October 4, 2020

James Timothy “Tim” Daugherty, of Omaha, peacefully passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Omaha with his family by his side.  Tim was an accomplished entrepreneur and pilot who always generously lent time to a variety of civic causes in Nebraska.  Tim had an undeniable warmth, wit and friendliness that left a lasting impression.  His true passion and love was being a devoted husband, father, brother, son and grandson.

Tim and his wife, Linda, were married for nearly 43 years and raised two children together.  Family was his greatest joy.  Their marriage showed incredible strength as Tim battled health problems in recent years.  Health did not stop him from continuing to travel with family, have fun with friends and enjoy his life to the fullest: always with an infectious laugh and a smile.

Tim was born in Omaha and spent his childhood in Valley and Wahoo before graduating from Wahoo High School.  Tim went on to graduate from Hastings College with a degree in Economics before founding Valley Products Corporation (VPC) in Valley.  For 40 years Tim used his incredible ability to create and manufacture specialized electronic and industrial equipment and apply his entrepreneurial spirit to build VPC into a successful business.

Tim was incredibly supportive of the Omaha and greater Nebraska community.  He showed this support through his dedication to serve on a multitude of foundation boards and advisory councils.  He was particularly proud of the work he did on the Robert B. Daugherty Foundation Board, University of Nebraska Foundation Board, Hastings College Board of Trustees and Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum Board, to name only a few.

Between this all, Tim found time for his favorite hobby: flying.  Tim achieved his pilot’s license and instrument rating at 18 and continued to own and operate a variety of planes for 40 years for personal and business use.  Tim enjoyed taking his family on trips all over North America and being part of the flying club, Quiet Birdmen.  When not flying, Tim loved spending summers at his cabin on Big Sand Lake in Park Rapids, MN and winters at his home and on his boat (aptly named the “Wahoo”) in Key Largo, FL.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Marjorie Daugherty of Omaha; uncle, Paul Kruse of Lincoln; and uncle, Dick Kruse of St. Louis.  Tim is survived by his wife, Linda of Omaha; two children: Ryan Daugherty of New York City, and Rebecca Daugherty of New York City; brother, Dr. F. Joseph Daugherty (Mary) of Omaha; brother, Robert Daugherty (Julie) of Key Largo; aunt, Phyllis Colwell (Tom) of Minneapolis; aunt, Betty Kruse of St. Louis; aunt, Jan Kruse of Lincoln; and uncle, John Kruse (Syd) of Walthill, NE; several nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

A family Funeral Service was held at Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church, where both Tim and Linda and his parents, Bob and Marge, were married and Tim and Linda were long-time members.  Due to the COVID Pandemic, a Celebration of Life Service will be postponed until friends and family can safely gather.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Kountze Commons at Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church (2665 Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68131) or University of Nebraska Foundation to benefit Lewy Body Dementia education and research (1010 Lincoln Mall Suite #300, Lincoln NE 68508). Please note gifts are made “In Memory of Tim Daugherty”.