Jack attended St. Paul’s Preparatory School in Baltimore, Maryland. He then attended the University of Richmond until being called into service in World War II in the Pacific theater of operations serving as an armorer and gunner on a B24 aircraft. After the war, he resumed his education at Washington and Lee University earning his law degree in 1949 and serving on the Washington & Lee University Law Review, 1947-1949. On June 4, 1948, he married Laurel Marie Hornsby of Richmond, Virginia. He is survived by three sons: Jack Berry Porterfield III (Rebecca), Jeffery Alexander Porterfield (Janet), and Leslie Hornsby Porterfield (Julie); three nieces: Lois Hammonds Borsay (Gurdon Smith), Laura Lee Miller-Bowes (Brian), Marcy Rogers Miller; two nephews: Wynne Allan Stevens (Andrea) and Rev. Charles Ernest Miller (Judy) four grandchildren; Charles Alexander Porterfield, Emily Porterfield Davis (Nathan), Samuel Park Porterfield, and Turner Robbins Porterfield. Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife Laurel and his faithful dog Rennie.
Jack began his career in Birmingham with Lange, Simpson, Robinson & Somerville LLP in 1949. He then established his own law practice in 1956 which grew in size and stature over a period of 50 years into what is currently known as Porterfield, Harper, Mills, Motlow & Ireland, P.A. upon his retirement in 1999. Jack was recognized by his peers over the years serving as President of the Birmingham Bar Association in 1968, was a member of the Entertainment Committee for many years, and also was a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel, 1964 – 1998. He was acknowledged as being one of the Top 100 lawyers in Alabama, and also served as President of the Sons of the Revolution of Alabama in 1998. Jack and Laurel travelled the globe extensively and he was an ardent supporter of Washington and Lee University and Auburn University athletics. He lived well.
The family will receive friends at St. Mary's on the Highlands,1910 12th Ave. So., Birmingham, AL on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 beginning at 10:00 am with funeral at 11 am with Rev. Huey Gardner officiating. A family burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Jack Porterfield, Jr. may be made to Birmingham Bar Foundation, 2021 Second Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203.
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