Cover photo for James "Jim" William Porter's Obituary
James "Jim" William Porter Profile Photo
1950 James 2021

James "Jim" William Porter

January 27, 1950 — November 14, 2021

Nashville, Tennessee

Mr. James “Jim” William Porter, age 71, passed away with dignity on Sunday, November 14, 2021 surrounded by his family whom he dearly loved.

Jim was born in Nashville, Tennessee to the late Robert A. Porter, Jr. and Alice Caldwell Porter.  He is survived by sister Helen L. Porter and brother Robert A. Porter, III. He was a graduate of Montgomery Bell Academy, Class of 1968.  Jim received a bachelor’s degree in English from Vanderbilt University as well as a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Tennessee State University.

Jim worked for Stratos/Tracker Marine in customer service for over 15 years. He then shifted to education, serving as a high school English teacher at Shelbyville Central High School for 11 years. He also served as the Union Representative for the Tennessee Education Association and coached wrestling at SCHS. He was well loved by his students and truly an inspiration to everyone he taught.

Jim was an avid camper, sports enthusiast, and lover of the outdoors. He shared these passions with his family and their beloved golden retrievers through countless camping trips, canoeing adventures, and beach vacations. He was a devoted Vanderbilt athletics fan and member of the Commodore Club for years.

Mr. Porter was a loving, selfless, patient, and exceptional husband, father, and grandfather to his family. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Emily Ann Porter, Murfreesboro, TN; children, Emily Helen (Brandon) Butler, Fairview, TN, Mary Alice (Will) Wallmeyer, Richmond, VA, James William Porter, Jr., Nashville, TN, Jonathan Lanier (Halee) Porter, Hartsville, TN; grandchildren, Ann Marie Butler, Helen James Butler, Hugh Samuel Porter, Luke Slaton Wallmeyer.

In his final act, Jim gave a precious gift by donating his body to the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine for the purpose of medical education and research.

Family members will receive friends and family on Friday, November 19 beginning at 10 a.m. at The Pavilion at Harpeth Hills. A memorial service will be conducted immediately following at 12 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to The Jim Porter Memorial Scholarship for a graduating Shelbyville Central High School senior. Checks should be made to “SCHS – The Jim Porter Memorial Scholarship” and mailed to 401 Eagle Boulevard, Shelbyville, TN 37160.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James "Jim" William Porter, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Gathering of Family and Friends

Friday, November 19, 2021

10:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

The Pavilion at Harpeth Hills

9090 TN-100, Nashville, TN 37221

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Memorial Service

Friday, November 19, 2021

Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

The Pavilion at Harpeth Hills

9090 TN-100, Nashville, TN 37221

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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