James Carey Porterfield Jr.

James Carey Porterfield, Jr. (Jim) passed away peacefully at home on March 13, 2025, after a brief illness, at the age of 81. Born on August 8, 1943, in DeKalb County, GA, to Ruth Aline Ross and James Carey Porterfield, Sr., Jim lived a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering faith.

A proud graduate of Druid Hills High School (Class of 1961), Jim went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Marine Corps, including a year in Vietnam. After his military service, he pursued his education in business at both Georgia Southern College and the University of Georgia. His professional life was dedicated to the banking industry, where he earned numerous awards and accolades for his expertise and leadership.

Jim lived the majority of his life in Atlanta, GA, where he was a proud resident and an active member of his community. On August 17, 1968, he married the love of his life, Rose Drupiewski Porterfield, in Atlanta, GA. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four children, whom he proudly bragged about at every opportunity. He found joy in the simple pleasures—spending time on the beach at St. Simons Island, cooking and entertaining, and passionately cheering on his beloved Georgia Bulldogs. An avid golfer and a natural entertainer, Jim never met a stranger and had a gift for bringing people together.

A man of deep faith, Jim was a dedicated member, choir singer, and esteemed Sunday school teacher at Peachtree Baptist Church, Briarlake Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church of Atlanta. His warmth, wisdom, and humor left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his cherished son, James Andrew (Drew). He is survived by his devoted wife, Rose Drupiewski Porterfield; his children, Paul Kenneth (Joey), Timothy Cason (Lauren), and SaraRose Elisabeth (George); his daughter-in-law Stephanie Champion; his brother Don (Lila) and sister Karen Rush; his precious grandchildren, Joshua Ross, Lara MaryLynn, Nathaniel Martin, Cason Michael, Caleb Andrew, Hunter Cade, and Walker Cole; and a host of extended family and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A visitation for James will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill, 4550 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30319. The memorial service will follow from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with a reception immediately after from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Jim’s legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.