Lt. Col. James Lawrence Portz U.S.A.F.-Ret., age 92, of Bossier City, LA passed away peacefully, December 9, 2023. James was born August 12, 1931 in Akron, OH unto the union of Leo Joseph and Frances Portz.
James served his country for over twenty-two years in active duty in the Air Force. Along the way he was appointed as a Squadron Commander in Vietnam until ultimately achieving the rank of Lt. Col. He retired from military service in 1975. Additionally, James was a proud alumni of both University of Akron and Louisiana State University-Shreveport, obtaining his bachelors’ degree.
James loved bowling. He was an avid bowler and even met the love of his life, bowling. They were both smitten and married after only a three months courtship. In his latter-years he also enjoyed horse racing, playing Sudoku and working crossword puzzles. James almost never quit bowling however. He even bowled a perfect 300 game, in his late 60’s. He could have gone pro.
James was preceded in death by: wife, Eva Portz; father, Leo Joseph Portz; mother, Frances Higgins Portz; and sister, Mary Jo Bogdanski.
Left to cherish his memory, and finally win a game bowling are: daughters, Patricia Morris and husband Gary, Elizabeth Portz, and husband Kevin Kieneker, Cynthia Malcolm; sons Dean Portz and wife Donna, William Portz; grandchildren, Tiffany Morris, Shane Morris, JJ Morris, Ashley Malcolm, Amye Martin, Lindsay Portz; brother, John Portz; sister, Rosemary Hayworth; along with thirteen great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services in his honor will begin with a gathering of family and friends, between 5:00 – 7:00, December 14, 2023 at Hill Crest Memorial, in Haughton. The Funeral will be held at 10:00 am, December 15, also at Hill Crest.
