obituaries

James Porter

Alton |

James “Jim” L. Porter, 71, died at 4:23 a.m. Thursday, August 17, 2017 at Jerseyville Manor Nursing Home in Jerseyville, IL. He died from Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease. Mr. Porter was the son of the late Fern(Porter) Scott. He was born April 19, 1946 at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Alton. He married Sylvia N. May of Alton, on July 1, 1975 in Godfrey, IL and she survives. He went to Alton Schools and later was a member of the Alton American Legion Post 126 and the Alton VFW Post 1308. In 1963, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. where he served 12 years, 3 of which were in Vietnam. He was a sergeant and was wounded and received a Purple Heart and numerous other medals. Jim was proud of his service to his country and displayed his flag daily. Jim worked at Olin Corp. in the Winchester Dept. for 28 years, retiring in 2012 due to illness. He loved music and up until his time of death, he continued to want music in his life. He loved to dance so when the music played he was up and moving. His favorite genres were Oldies and Rock n’ Roll. He was also an avid Cardinals baseball fan. Jim loved his children and grandchildren. He was a softball coach for Andrea years ago and never missed a game whether it was softball, soccer, football, volleyball, dance recital, or cheerleading. In addition to his wife, Sylvia, he is survived by his son; William “Bill” Hassmann of Arizona, two daughters; Andrea Porter of Alton, and Shawna Phelps (Matt) also of Alton, five grandchildren; Caleb Ruden of Bethalto, Morgan Ruden of East Alton, Jake and Brooke Hassmann of Arizona, and Grace Phelps of Alton, two sisters; Patty Parton of Granite City, and Yvonne Whittington(David) of Granite city and a brother; Kenny Scott of Bethalto and Maurice May (Nancy) of Virginia, Robert (Sonja) Beardsley of Arizona. Extended family; Eric (Elisa) Ruden and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, grandmother; Violet Porter (who raised him), two brothers; Sam Scott and Gary Scott as well as in-laws Maurice(Francis) May. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday August 22, 2017 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday August 23, 2017. Reverend George Humbert will officiate. Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery with Full Military Honors by Alton VFW Post 1308. Memorials may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, The National Parkinson Foundation, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, The National Kidney Foundation, the 5A’s Animal Shelter or a charity of your choice. Information and online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com


Obit Provided By:
Gent Funeral Home

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