John James Porter

CONNERSVILLE, Ind. – John James Porter, age 58, of Connersville, Indiana, died Tuesday, October 16, 2018, at his home. Born January 22, 1960, in Richmond, Indiana, to Frances Cloyd and Eva M. Stevens Porter, John lived in Wayne County until moving to Fayette County in 1996. He was a Boy Scout through the age of 14 and then discovered his love of sports. John was a 1978 graduate of Centerville High School, where he played football, wrestled, and participated in track. John then attended Hanover College, playing football his freshman year before being injured. After John’s injury, he became an assistant defensive lineman coach for the Panthers, until his graduation in 1982. During college, John pledged Phi Gamma Delta and served as a steward under Mike Pence. He formerly worked as the campus coordinator at Wernle Children’s Home for 18 years and later as the head cook at Cracker Barrel. John also coached football, wrestling, and track at Centerville Jr. High School. He was a member of Centerville United Methodist Church. John enjoyed watching sports, especially Notre Dame; vacationing in the Smoky Mountains; cooking, including being the cookout grill king; cleaning; and spending time with his nieces and nephews, which allowed him to still be a “kid”. Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Becky Ann Hertel Porter; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Margaret Hertel; nieces and nephews, Courtney Klaine, Brittany Ritchie, Tristan Morrison, Addison Murphy, Iain Buckler, and Scott Porter; aunt, Mary Elsie Warner; sisters-in-law, Lisa Hertel and Robin Ritchie; cousins; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Burt Porter; and sister-in-law, Mindy Buckler. Visitation for John James Porter will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 20, 2018, at Mills Funeral Home, 405 East Main Street, Centerville. Funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 20, 2018, at Mills Funeral Home with his nephew, Iain Buckler officiating. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Boys and Girls Clubs of Wayne County, 1717 South L Street, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

John James Porter

January 22, 1960 - October 16, 2018