James A. "Rev. Jim" Porter

James A. “Rev. Jim” Porter age 90, of Caldwell, OH went to be with the Lord Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Marietta Memorial Hospital in Marietta, OH. He was born October 14, 1935 in Noble County, OH, son of the late Nolan F. and Ethel Eunice Groves Porter.

He was a 1953 Graduate of the former Dexter City High School. In 1977, Jim began serving the Lord and was eventually ordained in 1982 into the United Methodist Church. He, along with his beloved wife Donna, went on to serve numerous churches, including pastoral charges at Old Washington, Flushing, Reinersville, Dillonvale, Norwich, Dungannon, and Keith. He also served as a chaplain at Marietta Memorial Hospital, where he provided comfort and support to families during difficult times. Jim was musically gifted; he could play any instrument he found by ear. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing, camping, and shooting muzzleloaders. Jim will be remembered as a Civil War buff and someone who could be talked into the occasional trip to Amish Country. He loved spending time with his family and always found joy in life.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a grandchild Robbie Porter; son-in-law Berl Welch; two brothers Virgil D. Porter and Cletus L. Porter; brothers-in-law Dennis Tom and Eldon Clark.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Donna Ruth Clark Porter, whom he married June 16, 1956; children Darlene Welch of McConnelsville, OH, Peggy (Craig) Bloomfield of Beverly, OH, Pastor Jim (Kimy) Porter of Marietta, OH, Jeffery (Lynn) Porter of Hackney, OH, Glenda (Allen) Gillie of Missouri, Rosanna (Steve) Hill of Wheeling, WV, and Jean (Bruce Weckbacher) Porter of Marr, OH; 19 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother Carlos (Judy) Porter of Dexter City, OH; sisters Janis Clark of Reinersville, OH and Gladys Tom of McConnelsville, OH. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, friends, and many parishioners.

The family will receive friends for visitation Monday, April 13, 2026 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM at the Chandler Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 609 West Street, Caldwell, OH 43724. A funeral service to celebrate his life will conclude visitation Monday, April 13, 2026 at 3:30 PM in the Chandler Funeral Home Chapel, with his son Pastor Jim Porter officiating. Cremation will follow with inurnment in Dudley Cemetery to be observed at a later date.