James D. Porter

James D. Porter

Jim Porter, a long-time resident of Olympia, died at RooLan Care Facility on February 3, 2011. His family was with him at the time of his death. Jim was born August 31, 1925, in Grant Orchard (near Ephrata), Washington, to John Morgan and Mary Nevada (Billingsley) Porter. He was raised in the Grant County area and resided there until 1955.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II returning to Ephrata where he met and married his wife, Joyce Arleen Gunder. They married July 4, 1947. Together they raised four children (Paige, James D. Jr., Kimberly, and John M. III), traveled extensively, and spent more than 64 years together. One of Jim's passions was bowling, starting in Ephrata, moving to the old Adams' Lanes in Olympia, Archie Caldwell's "The Bowl" (both locations), and then serving as Olympia Bowling Association President and finally Washington State Bowling Association President.
Jim is survived by his wife, Joyce, who is residing at RooLan Care Facility in Lacey. He is also survived by Paige, James D. Jr., and John M. III (wife, KarenJo). He was preceded in death by Kimberly (2007). Jim and Joyce were blessed with six grandchildren, Preston Porter, Sierra (husband, Matt) Wardell, Brandy (husband, Hosea) Livingston, Adam Skoflanc, KelliJo (husband, Jerry) Hodgkins, and Noel (husband, Christian) O'Keefe, and eight great-grandchildren. "To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die." ~Thomas Campbell
A Memorial Service will be announced and held in March; it is suggested that memorials be made to your favorite charity. Thank you to the wonderful staff at RooLan who accepted both mom and dad as family and treated them with warmth and love for this chapter of their lives.
Remember Jim with the twinkle in his eye, the ready wit, and the love of life … that is how he would want to be remembered.
To leave memories of Jim or condolences for the family, go to www.FuneralAlternatives.org Arrangements are with Funeral Alternatives of Washington 360-753-1065.