James Porter

James E. Porter, 66, of Valley Mills, Texas, passed away Saturday, August 30, 2014 at home with his family. A memorial service will be at 11 am Friday, September 19, at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, 8220 Woodway Drive. Long time friends, Rev. Dr. Paul Owen and Rev. Jim Daniels, will be officiating.

Jim was born August 3, 1948 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. After high school, he enlisted and was on active duty in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969. He served in the Central Highlands of Vietnam from 1966 to 1967 and returned to be based at Fort Hood. On February 28, 1969, Jim met the love of his life Donna (Sorrells) Porter and they married 8 weeks later on April 24, 1969. They were blessed with one loving son, Christopher James Porter of Waco, Texas. Jim obtained his Master Plumbing License in 1976 and owned Jim Porter Plumbing for 37 years before passing the business to his son. He always enjoyed his customers and even continued working with customers when he got the chance to work with his son every now and then. Jim also enjoyed the outdoors and spending time on his land. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved working in his shop and building projects. He enjoyed gardening with his wife, collecting movies, playing 42 with his family and helping others. He loved his pets Molly, Sugar Bear and Tinker as they are part of the family.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Betty Jane Jones and Robert H. Jones; father-in-law, A.D. Sorrells Sr.; mother-in-law, Inez Sorrells; and brother-in-laws Neil Sorrells and Allen Ray Sorrells.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Donna Porter, one son Christopher Porter and wife, Tiffini Porter of Waco, Texas; sister, Robin Fitzgerald of Waco, Texas; sister and brother-in-law, Tam and Harvey Schaffner of Pennsylvania; sisters, Angel Simmons of Colorado, Jackie Beard of Texas and Kristi Jones of Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Evelyn Sorrells of Valley Mills, Texas; brother-in-law, A.D. Sorrells Jr. of Waco, Texas and granddaughters, Cayla Porter and Taylor Fettig of Waco, Texas and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Dr. Arthur Sudan, Texas Oncology, Dr. Encarnacion and Providence Hospice for their loving care and concern.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials may be made to Providence Hospice or the charity of your choice.