Mr. James Porter, after 73 years of life, took his rest in Heaven on Saturday evening, August 1, 2020 from Oklahoma City.

To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under the heavens; a time to be born and a time to die; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.

James Monroe Porter Sr. was born in Denison, Texas on July 2, 1947 to Izenatta Nita Porter Jackson. Izenatta later married and within that marriage James gained a wonderful, loving Father, Knolah Jackson Sr. He was the first born of eight Jackson children. James attended and graduated from Muskogee's Manual Training High School in 1966.

He joined the military in June of 1966 and served as a VERY PROUD Sergeant of the United States Marine Corps. During his time in the Marines, he earned the National Defense Service Metal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnamese Service Metal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and a Rifle Expert Badge. He fought in the Vietnam War and always wanted to go back to visit the place that served as such an essential part of his life. He later went on to attend Central State (now known as the University of Central Oklahoma) where he graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

In 1966, James married the love of his life, and his high school sweetheart, Patricia Roland. To this union, they welcomed four children: LaQuita Camille, James Monroe Jr, Kevin Lance and Brittany Diana.

James' worked at Goodyear Tire in Tulsa from 1970 to 1993 when the company closed and he decided to retire. He later went on to work at Firestone from 1994 to 2000. In 2000, he worked for Sprint and retired in 2003 due to health issues.

He has always had a passion for motorcycles and two-wheel bikes, he met many life-long friends on this journey.

James became a devoted member of Friendship Baptist Church on November 23, 2014. Throughout his time at Friendship, God and Church became a primary influence in the actions of his life. He made quite the impact and he was immensely loved by all members of the church. His willingness to always help within the church was quietly done, but always felt. He will be truly missed.

James is preceded in death by his mother, Izenatta Jackson, his brothers David Jackson and Knolah Jackson Jr., and two sisters, Barbara Gail Jackson and Shirley Ann Jackson-Johnson.

James loved his family immeasurably, leaving to cherish his memory, a loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Patricia; children; LaQuita Smith (Stan) of North Little Rock, ARK, James Porter, Jr. (Thoa) of Oklahoma City, OK, Je Nell Higgs (Tyrone) of Tulsa, OK, Kevin Porter of Oklahoma City, OK, Brittany Smith (Jermel) of Oklahoma City, OK. Thirteen Grandchildren; brother Nathaniel Jackson, Sr. (Kathy) of Georgetown, TX; sisters Betty Toney (Glenn) of Dallas, TX and Ida Jackson of Midwest City, OK, along with a host of other family and friends.

You may visit Mr. Porter, as he slumbers in peaceful repose in the People's Chapel of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., on Thursday, August 13, 2020 from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM.

Services for Mr. Porter will be private.