James O. Porter, Jr.

James O. Porter, Jr. age 80, passed away Thursday, September 1, 2022, in Lakeland. Born October 18, 1941, in Bartow, he was the son of the late James O. Porter, Sr. and Ethel P. (Medlock) Porter. James was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving as a Chief Petty Officer. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters: Katherine, Marge and Grace. He is survived by a loving family that includes his wife of 59 years, Sandra L. Porter of Bartow, his sons: Christopher A. Porter (Lori) of Ocala, Sean A. Porter (Carla) of Winter Haven, his siblings: Dorothy Mace (Guy) of Missouri, Ruth Stoll of Texas, Richard Porter of St. Petersburg and his grandchildren: Michael, Chynna, Maikiya, James, Nicholas, Savannah and Matthew. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 11:00am at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow.