John S. Porter

Born on March 4, 1948— “at a very young age,” as he liked to say—to Irene and Lewis Porter in Los Angeles, California. John entered the world as a true original and lived that way his entire life.

He had a special gift for making people laugh—sometimes at just the right moment, sometimes at the most inappropriate one—but always in a way that brightened the lives around him.

A proud Army veteran, John served his country with honor and went on to make meaningful contributions to science, earning multiple patents and authoring numerous publications throughout his career as a well-respected senior scientist.

He loved his family, his friends, and his dogs—though he might argue the dogs came first. John found joy in the outdoors, camping, fishing, cooking, fireworks, gardening, birdwatching, music, and sports—both playing and watching. He never heard a joke he didn’t like, a meal he didn’t want to cook, or a Western he didn’t want to watch.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Jan; his children, Ian, Nicole and her husband Mike, Vanessa and her husband Jan, and Holly and her husband Henry; his grandchildren, Lily and Cody; as well as his sisters, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, who was his best friend and a true partner-in-crime when it came to mischief and fun.

He will be remembered for his humor, his brilliant mind, his kind heart, and his service to his country. John lived fully, loved deeply, laughed often—and always got everyone else laughing along the way.

John will be laid to rest at Miramar National Cemetery, with a celebration of his incredible life to follow. Details may be requested from the family.