James Chandler Porritt Jr.

Jim was born on April 26, 1933, to the late James and Jessie (Holcomb) Porritt. His birth took place in Bowne Township. It was also the birthplace of his brother, Kenneth and sisters, Katherine and Barbara. On August 11, 1952, Jim married Anne McDowell, who passed away on April 5, 2013. During their 60 years of marriage, they were blessed with two sons, Timothy and Terry. They became loving grandparents to Lysandra (Michael, deceased October 1, 2015) Vander Hart, Timothy (Angela) Porritt, and Chandler Porritt; and step-grandparents to Michael Vander Maas and Renee Vander Maas, and great-grandparents to Genivee Vander Hart and Lilith Porritt. From his son Tim’s second marriage, they warmly welcomed step-grandchildren, Jeffrey, Nicholas, and Adam Cline; and step-great-grandson, Evan Cline. Jim later remarried on June 27, 2015, to Jayne Thomas. Under their union the family continued to grow with the addition of Lysandra’s second daughter, Annilee Vander Hart; Timothy’s son, Jameson Porritt; Chandler’s wife, Rachelle, and their daughter, Frances and son, Frederick Porritt; and Renee’s husband, Mike McCloskey. Jim attended Caledonia High School where he played the position of running back on the football team and contributed to back-to-back undefeated seasons in 1950 and 1951. After his graduation from high school in 1951, Jim followed in his father’s footsteps and commenced working for the Kent County Road & Park Commission as a laborer and truck driver. His career path took a detour in August 1953 when he was drafted by the Army and stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. After his military service, he returned to work for Kent County as an equipment operator and was subsequently promoted to stock clerk. Jim’s next advancement was to Purchasing Director. While under this position he chaired the Purchasing Agents Association and started an Equipment Exchange Program throughout the State of Michigan. His next step-up was to Director of Maintenance. He ultimately became the Managing Director of the Kent County Road & Park Commission in 1979 and held that position until he retired in 1995. Aside from the time he spent in Texas, Jim lived his entire life in Caledonia and held memberships in the Caledonia Masonic Lodge 387 and the American Legion Post 305. He had an ongoing interest in aviation, acquiring an instrument-rated pilot’s license, owning a red Cessna Cardinal, and joining the Quiet Birdmen (QBs). He also was a sports enthusiast that included earning a green belt in karate and league bowling. He was an avid golfer achieving many trophies during league play and even took top honors one year as a member of the Great Lakes Seniors in 2003. He shot a 79 when he was 80 years old at Black Lake Country Club in Gaylord. He participated in snowmobile racing and added several wins to his trophy case garnering State Champion in the 250CC Class. When he wasn’t wintering and golfing in Chandler, Arizona, Jim was enjoying his cabin in the woods overlooking the Manistee River in Fife Lake. He enjoyed fly fishing, tying lures, and refurbishing fly rods. He took great aim with archery and making his own arrows. The cabin was the site of many deer camps evidencing a number of deer horn mounts displayed on the walls. Jim enjoyed music and played both the harmonica and ukulele. If there was a dance floor available, he would be out in the middle of it “cutting a rug”. He also used his musical talents to sing in his church choir at Caledonia United Methodist Church, where he was a life-long member and faithful servant. On March 17, 2023 Jim joined his Lord’s heavenly angel choir. He is survived by his loving wife, Jayne; his sons, Timothy (Donna) and Terry (Laura); the aforementioned grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, step-great-grandson, and nephews and nieces. He will remain in our hearts! A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will take place on Monday, March 27, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Both will take place at the Caledonia United Methodist Church, 250 Vine Street SE, Caledonia, MI 49316. The family wishes to express their appreciation for the care and support from the staff of The Oaks and the team from Faith Hospice. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the Caledonia United Methodist Church.