James Albert Porter SR

March 16, 1950 - December 2, 2014

Damascus Baptist Church 3717 Perry Road Gloster, MS 39638 Rev. David Veals, Pastor Memorial Service for Bro. James Albert Porter, Sr. Sunday, December 7, 2014 2:00 p. m. Rev. Annie Travis – Worship Guide Greetings/Call to Worship Rev. Annie Travis Selection Damascus Choir Old Testament Reading Psalm 23 Deacon Edward Perry Epistle Reading 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 Gospel Reading John 14:1-6 Prayer Rev. Johnny Anderson Selection Mrs. Mattie Graham Reflections and Expressions (2 minutes limit) Acknowledgments Selection Rev. J. W. Porter Family Words of Comfort Rev. David Veals Closing Song Dismissal with Blessing Repast in the Fellowship Hall Bro. James Albert Porter, Sr. born, March 16, 1950 in McComb, MS. died tragically on December 2, 2014. Our hearts are deeply saddened and we look to God for comfort, healing, and hope in the peace that passes all understanding through our Lord Jesus Christ. James was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Richard Sylvester Porter, Sr. and his sister Dorothy Jean Atterberry. He is survived by: his mother, Mrs. Annie Mae Porter(Pensacola, FL); five sisters, Annie Louise Travis(Holly Springs, MS), Shirley (Ron) Patterson (Los Angeles, CA),Linda Porter (San Francisco, CA), Patricia (Weaver) Miller (Henderson, NV), Laura Walley (Pensacola, FL); and four brothers, Richard (Casandra) Porter, Jr.,of Atlanta, Georgia, Eric Lynn Porter(Beacon, NY), Lawrence Porter(Colorado Springs, CO), and Justin (Alys) Porter (Austin, TX), James was the proud father of six children: Brandy, Kwesi, James, Jr., Josiah, Christina, and Rosetta. Holding a very special place in his heart were his five grandchildren Josiah Jr., Jordon, Jasmine, Jacob and Asher, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends James’ soft smile, friendly companionship, and compassionate guidance will be missed by all. His eagerness to share his hobbies that included cooking, grilling, carpentry, and landscaping (his fruit orchard) will truly be missed by both family and community. His generosity was his signature character. James enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1968. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and served his country through two tours in Vietnam. He later moved to California where he served 33 years and retired as a U.S. Postal Service employee. In 2009 he returned to his hometown of Gloster, Mississippi to become the primary caregiver for his mother until she moved to Florida in 2013. Today we mourn your death; moreover, we celebrate your life. We love and miss you. While many will attempt to replicate your peach cobbler, no one will ever be able to duplicate it. Tribute to James Albert Porter, Sr As the Lord lights our way, May we be mindful of this day. For here lies a great man who was guided by a plan. There were times we talked of faith and hope and walking the walk. Then there came a day And he looked at me and began to say, I am tired and I am worn. And one day the Lord will call me home. He spoke of many things, hopes, expectations, and a vision I felt the awe of being in his presence, Also, a love, a respect that I cannot describe. This man has left this land So I try to express the best that I can Things of which he spoke.