James Joseph Porcher (April 17, 1951 - February 17, 2020)

In loving memory of
James Joseph Porcher
  • April 17, 1951
  • -
  • February 17, 2020

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Obituary

Jim (Jimmie) Porcher went to his eternal home on Monday, February 17, 2020.  He passed unexpectedly and peacefully at home in Summerfield, FL with his beloved wife, Linda, nearby.

Jim, the oldest of six children, was born in Kansas City, MO on April 17, 1951 and raised in the Chicago area by the late Arthur and Mary (Stevens) Porcher.  Jim stepped in as the head of the household at 16 when his dad passed at a young age.  He graduated from Proviso East High School in Maywood, IL, where he developed a love for American and world history.  He attended college at the University of Illinois Chicago Circle campus, with initial plans of teaching history.

Jim had many career interests, with several supporting his interest in wine, good food, and travel.  Early on, he was the produce manager at Jewel Foods grocery store.  Merchandising and store layout for White Hen Pantry, a convenience store chain came next; Jim won an award for the design of the store off Michigan Avenue in Chicago.   This was followed by a stint at a refrigeration company that installed refrigeration in new grocery stores, and he then worked for a time at a blueprinting company.  Next, he was the warehouse and shipping manager for a high-speed digital printing company.  Finally, Jim shared his wine selection expertise and wine region knowledge with customers at a boutique wine store in Glen Ellyn.

Jim was a devoted, loving, faithful husband to Linda, his wife of 40 years. Through the years, Jim and Linda enjoyed traveling, taking wine tasting trips to California, Oregon, Italy and champagne regions of France.  Jim was deeply rooted in his Catholic faith and attended Sunday Mass with Linda no matter where they traveled. Cooking and hosting dinner parties was his passion and he was extremely creative in these endeavors.  Jim was known for his great sense of humor, infectious smile, easy laugh, fun-loving personality, and warm heartedness. Jim and Linda lived in the western suburbs of Chicago, specifically Carol Stream, IL and Glen Ellyn, IL.  After 59 grand years in Ilinois, they moved to Murray, Kentucky, “the friendliest small town in America,” and lastly to sunny Summerfield, Florida.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Mary Porcher, his sister, Carol Rosel, of Conklin, MI and a nephew, Brandon Meerscheidt of Greeensboro, NC.  In addition to his wife, Linda, Jim is survived by four siblings: MaryJo (Steve) Cross of White Cloud, MI, Jon (Susanne) Porcher of Mt. Prospect, IL; Jeanine Meerscheidt of Conklin, MI; and Paul (Norma) Stephenson of Plainfield, IL. He is also survived by Carol’s husband, Al Rosel of Conklin, MI, 11 nieces and nephews and 12 great nieces and nephews.  He will be sadly missed by his family and friends, but lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched over his 68 years.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mark the Evangelist Church in Summerfield, FL on October 5, 2020 at 10 am.  There will be a private ceremony for Jim to be laid to rest at Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens in Ocala, FL.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society. Online condolences may be left at www.BaldwinCremation.com.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s memory to The Marion County Kidney Foundation, 2980 SE 3rd Court, Ocala, FL  34471


Tribute Wall

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  1. Jon & Susanne Porcher says:
    05 Oct 2020
    Linda,
    We will all miss Jim!! He was fun to be around, and set such a fine example for others. His faith in his Lord and Savior showed. We are comforted knowing that his journey is complete and trust he is with the Lord forever in his eternal home. Although we did not have many times together, we always really enjoyed those, what now are viewed as special times. Susanne and I are so glad we came out to see you both the last 2 years. Not knowing Jim would be taken at such an early age, the bible says that life is like a vapor. We are here for a little while and then we vanish away. This life on earth is short compared to eternity. We really enjoyed our times together, Jim was a great brother. We hope when all of this pandemic is over, we can come and visit again. Although it won't be the same, it will still be fun to see and be with you. The service for Jim was very nice, sorry we couldn't make it. We were with you in thought and spirit. God bless. J & S . . . . Jeremiah 29:11

  2. Norma Stephenson lit a candle:
    05 Oct 2020
    Lit since October 5, 2020 at 10:49:32 PM

  3. Norma Stephenson says:
    05 Oct 2020
    Dear Linda,

    We pray that you find peace and comfort in the days ahead. Jim was so full of life and we were blessed to have him in our hearts. I am sure your missing him tremendously. Paul reminisces frequently of All the beautiful memories that he shared with Jim growing up in Melrose. He was a great older sibling that took care of his younger siblings. I personally enjoyed getting to know him at each family gathering. He left us all too soon... He is now in the Heavens” rejoicing” with his mom dad, sister and nephew. He will be missed tremendously. Sending you lots of love and hugs today and ALWAYS.


    Love, Norma, Paul, PJ & Alyssa.

  4. Michael Sacco says:
    05 Oct 2020
    Dear Linda:
    Our dear cousin Jimmie (or JJ as my Dad would say) has gone home too soon! But what a time he must be having with his mom and dad and my mom and dad, keeping the youngsters (Carol and Brandon) in line like he did so long ago. He will live in our hearts always, a bright light.
    Love,
    Michael Sacco Family
    and all of his Chicago cousins

  5. Cindy Lewis says:
    03 Oct 2020
    Linda,
    Our hearts are breaking for you, still, at the loss of Jim. He was such a fabulous and fun friend, a gentle soul whose laugh would lift you up even if you were not ready to laugh! We will miss the twinkle in his eye when he would crack a joke, the way he exuded faith when he prayed next to us at church, the way he exhorted us to get over ourselves and just have some fun. He was a man who knew what was important and didn't waste time on what was not, who loved his wife and his faith, who was a good friend and a reliable neighbor. We will always cherish the memories of our guys vs. gals card games, our trips to see the sights, and our time in "our pew" glorifying the Lord. It was great. We won't forget him, or you, ever. Love you always.
    Cindy and Neal Lewis Ps 23:1-6

  6. Mark Urban says:
    02 Oct 2020
    Cheers to my Uncle Jim!

    He was my April birthday buddy, confirmation sponsor (with Cardinal Bernadin), and fellow vino lover. I have so many memories that fill me with nostalgia and joy. I will miss our discussions of pop culture and education, and of course sharing a bottle of red. My life if richer because of his presence in making our little family even more filled with love...and wine!

  7. GARY and KAREN RAMUNO says:
    28 Sep 2020
    Dear Linda,
    We were so happy to meet you and Jim during the wine trips! Jim was a kind and thoughtful man who went out of his way to make others feel welcomed. We enjoyed our time together, and will always remember him fondly. May God's blessings and love surround you. May Jim rest in eternal peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  8. Ed and Elaine Samczyk says:
    27 Sep 2020
    Linda,
    What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. Though we didn't know Jim long, we found he made us feel right at home and part of the neighborhood with his smile. It was like we had known him for years. We remember the neighborhood party that the two of you had and what a wonderful day that was. Laughter, joy, excitement...memories made. We really begin to know him that day. We think of him often because of the times we are in right now and know it would have been hard on him because of the virus. Thank you for including us in the service. Please know you are and continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you peace. Jim will always be in your heart. Something will trigger and a memory will arise and a smile once again will come upon face, and you will know he is there beside you.

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