James "Jim" William Porter

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.