James W. "Jim" Porter

James William “Jim” Porter left this world in peace on the 4th of January 2015, in the comfort of his home. Jim was born at his grandparent's home in Weatherford, Texas on the 10th of November 1919. His parents were H. J. “Jack” Porter and Ilona Campbell Porter. He was an only child.

Mr. Porter is survived by his wife of 72 years, Marjorie McEnnis Porter and his three sons, Richard Campbell Porter and his wife Sandra Scott Porter, John Bernard Porter and his wife Bettye Amerman Porter, and James Michael Porter and his wife Heather Smith Porter. And he is survived by nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Jim is also survived by Mr. Gaines Gilbreath, his close friend and employee of over sixty years.

Jim graduated from high school at The Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and then earned a degree in Petroleum Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin in May, 1942. Following graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy and served for the duration of World War II. He left the Navy with the rank of Lieutenant and went to work with his father in the oil and gas business. He continued working as an oilman and investor until several months before his death.

While in college Mr. Porter was a member of AlphaTau Omega fraternity and the Texas Cowboys, an honorary men's service organization at The University of Texas at Austin. He was active in Republican national politics and was a long- time supporter of a number of local non-profit organizations. In the early 1950's, with the legendary Eddie Dyer and others, Mr. Porter established Little League Baseball in the Houston area. Other notable organizations receiving his support were the Samaritan Club, Taping for the Blind, and Park Plaza Hospital where he served as a member of the Board of Directors for twenty three years. He was a long time member of The Houston Club and River Oaks Country Club and for many years an avid golfer.

Jim was known as a wonderful friend to many and always had a smile and a story to lift up others. He was well known for his kindness and generosity. Friends and family alike sought his wise counsel and he always made time for everyone.

Jim and seven of his cousins and childhood friends, calling themselves the Varmints, spent every summer together while they were growing up in Weatherford, Texas, where he spent summers with his grandfather, Dr. William Campbell. The Varmints became lifelong friends and had regular reunions up

until the last ten years when Jim became the last surviving member.

The family is particularly grateful for the wonderful and loving care Mr. Porter received over the last year from his doctors and caregivers, especially Debbie Triplett, Edith Elias, Maria Rodriquez, Leslin Garcia and the staff at The Hallmark.

Funeral Service for Mr. Porter will be held at one o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 9th of January 2015 at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer Road in Houston, with the Rev. Al Sinasac, C.S.B., officiating. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in St. Teresa’s Room.

In lieu of customary remembrances, for those desiring the family suggests memorials be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, 2200 Space Park Drive, Suite 100, Houston, TX, 77058 or to a charity of one’s choice.