Obituary
James “Jim” Donald Porter passed away on December 27, 2025, at his home in John Knox Village, Lee’s Summit, Missouri at the age of 86.
Jim was born on October 12, 1939, in Los Angeles, California, to Thurman Jewel Porter and Beulah Francis Neff. He grew up in Monett, Missouri, graduated from SMS college and was a proud United States Navy veteran. He retired from Lucent Technologies (Western Electric) after 32 years of service and loved woodworking, playing tennis and sharing his Christian faith with others.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Strahan Porter; his parents, his brother, Bill (Dot) Porter; and his sister, Nancy (Ron) Wolfe. He is survived by his brother Dick (Pat) Porter of Alexandria, Virginia.
He is survived by his children Eric (Patty) Porter, and Jennifer (Tom) Bennett; his grandchildren, Alec (Haley) Bennett, Chad (Alex) Bennett, Ryan Porter, Allison Porter, Alec O’Connell, and Danny O’Connell and countless family members and friends.
A celebration of life will be held on Monday, January 5th, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri with military honors starting at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Jim’s memory.
Jim will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his devotion to family, and the legacy of love he leaves behind.
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
I am sorry for your loss. I have a lot of great memories growing up around your family. God Bless.
Our sincere wishes and love to you on the loss of your father.
Jerry and Dee Ann Edwards
We are very sorry that we will not be able to attend this celebration. I enjoyed talking with him when the family would get together. I know that he will be greatly missed.
My condolences to Jim’s family from a long time friend. Jim and I “grew up together” as high school classmates, roommates at SMS college all 4 years, joined a fraternity together, went to wheat harvest together in Kansas and Colorado as well as working on a ranch in Nebraska and Colorado summer of 1958, joined the Navy after graduation together and accepted to Aviation Officers Candidate School, attended Pre-flight school at the same time, each assigned to different Naval Carriers based out of Long Beach at the same time and each assigned as Athletic Officers as collateral duties aboard those ships.
Jim was one of my closest friends through life even though distance separated us.
I regret that due to health reasons at home I will be unable to attend his celebration of life.
As a patriotic brother and brother in Christ I bid Jim “Fair winds, Following Seas and God’s Speed”, until we meet again at our Heavenly Home.
Phil Dieckhoff
Eric, Jennifer, and your families,
Sending prayers peace to you all. It’ll take time, but I hope you find comfort by sharing stories and memories of him. He will always be with you.
I am so sorry for your loss of Jim. I had the pleasure of getting to know him while both of us were
residents at John Knox Village… sharing dinner together on Saturday nights and church on Sunday
mornings. May God grant you peace as you go through this time of grief.
Gene Fleeman
I first met Jim, as he was a neighbor of my daughter. Always friendly with a wave and a smile when I was visiting. Later, after moving to John Knox Village, I was pleased to learn that Jim and Barbara would be my neighbors. Jim was one of the most selfless human beings I’ve ever met. Compassion and strength combined with a great sense of humor were his. He will be greatly missed.
Jim was our friend. We enjoyed the far too few times that we were together at Monett High School Class of 1957 reunions. He was thoughtful, kind and considerate to all he came in contact with. Our frequent phone conversations were always welcomed and enjoyed. Jim was a man of strong faith. He spoke of it often and the way he lived his life as a Christian, a good citizen, a caregiver to those in need, and a loyal friend was an example to us all to be the best we could be. We will miss those phone calls. He was a blessing to all who knew him. Sending prayers and good wishes to Jim’s family and friends.
I just heard that Jim had passed away. Him and Barb were such great neighbors on Summit Hill Drive. I’m so sorry for your loss, but know he is a wonderful carpenter in Heaven now and is pain free. He was such a strong Christian and I will miss him so. May God keep all of you wrapped warmly in His arms.
Great memories when Jim was married to my mom., he was like a father, still using the old tool box he gave me on my jobs, he was a good man!