James Richard Porter, Sr.

1930-2021

 

     James Richard Porter, Sr., 91 of Keokuk, IA died Monday, July 26, 2021 at River Hills Village in Keokuk.

     He was born July 21, 1930 in Keokuk, IA the son of Wilbur and Gladys Fox Porter. James graduated from Keokuk High School with the class of 1948.

     He was a veteran of the Iowa Army National Guard.

     On May 5, 1951 he was united in marriage to Doris Scott.  She preceded him in death on January 28, 2017.

     James had been employed at the A&P store in Keokuk for many years.  He later was employed by Keokuk Waterworks for thirty-eight years until his retirement.  After retirement, he worked for several car dealerships in the area picking up and delivering cars.

     He was a member of New Testament Christian Church in Keokuk.

     James was a baseball fanatic.  He tried to visit all the baseball stadiums he could and he attended eleven-hundred major league games through the years.  James once had the opportunity to visit with Harry Carey and talk baseball with him.  James enjoyed a good cup of coffee and visiting with his friends.  He had a passion for streetcars and skylines.  He was very knowledgeable about them both and would draw beautiful pictures of them for others to enjoy.

     He is survived by two sons, Scott Porter (Julie) of Keokuk and James R. Porter, Jr. (Natalie) of Keokuk, two daughters, Jean Brown (Steve) of Nauvoo, IL and Janet Kinman (Dee) of Springville, IN, eight grandchildren, Sally Carter (Brian), Amy Newberry ( T.J.), Tim Porter (Robin), Nolan Porter, Annie Holmes (Tim), Kevin Crabtree, Jessica Fatt (Austin) and Cal Kinman, eleven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

     Besides his wife, he was also preceded in death by his parents.

     A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Pastor Dee Kinman officiating. 

     Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 – 11 a.m., Thursday at the funeral home with the family meeting with friends at that time.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be to Every Step Hospice.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com