James L. Porter

James “Jim” L. Porter, 71, died August 17, 2017 4:23 am 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 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 4:00pm until 8:00pm Tuesday August 22, 2017 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where the funeral will be Wednesday at 10:00 am. With Rev. George Humbert to officiate. Memorials may be made to The Alzheimers Association, The National Parkinson Foundation, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, The National Kidney Foundation, 5A’s or charity of your choice. Information and guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

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James L. Porter

April 19, 1946 - August 17, 2017