On March 3rd, 2023, James R. Porter, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away in the city of Howard, Ohio. He is survived by his loving wife Debra of 40 years, their children Eric and daughter-in-law Deborah Nells-Porter, Elizabeth and son-in-law Gabriel Ramos, Allison and son-in-law Chris McLeod, and Suzanne and son-in-law Joshua DiYanni and their grandchildren: Jack, Megan (and her husband Joshua Richards), Andrew, Hannah, Isabella, Nicholas, Olivia, Ryan, Sophia, Brandon, and John-Luke; and his sister Jackie Zahl.
James was born in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Throughout the years, he lived in many different places but his favorite was Montana. He loved everything about the small-town life, fishing, hunting, and their rustic log cabin. Although he loved Montana, James spent the last years of his life exactly where he wanted to be, in Ohio, close to his family. James was a loving, generous, compassionate man who would do anything for his friends and family. James liked the simple things in life like spending time with his family, woodworking, Harley Davidson motorcycles, and watching football and NASCAR. When he wasn’t enjoying time with his wife or family, he could often be found creating things in his workshop. James was also proud to be a veteran of the Army National Guard.
He will be greatly missed by his loving family and always remembered in their hearts.
We are sincerely grateful to the many friends who have given us support and comfort during this time of loss.
His family will receive friends on Friday, March 10, from 2-3pm at Cotner Funeral Home, 7369 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, where his service will be at 3:00 p.m.
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