James H. "Jim" Porter

Mr. James H. "Jim" Porter, 73, of Diamond, died Thursday evening July 4th, at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Boardman.

Jim was born September 6, 1950 in Youngstown, a son of Harold Porter and Mary Lou (Lampe) Porter Jones.

He attended Austintown Fitch School and worked as an auctioneer and regularly held auctions at Ellsworth VFW serving the community for more than thirty years before recently retiring. Prior to his days as an auctioneer he worked on the railroad for Penn Central and Conrail, like his father and grandfather before him. He and his wife are owners of Antiques At Ellsworth, a local store that was established in the 1990’s. 

He married the former Beverly J. Stoll on September 7, 1974. They shared almost 50 years of marriage and many wonderful memories together. She survives him.

Jim had a deep faith in Christ and he and his wife hosted a Christian fellowship group in their home. He enjoyed collecting various things, he dearly loved his pets and he was an avid Civil War historian. Jim was also an accomplished guitarist and was a part of two former bands, The Saharas and The Mahoning Valley Boys.

Besides his wife, Jim is survived by a brother, Harold (Michelle) Porter, Jr., and a sister, Cheryl Porter, both of Austintown. He also leaves a very special niece, Lauralee Tatarka, who was exactly like a daughter to him. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Tammy Jean Porter and Becky Jean Porter; and a brother, Kenny Porter.

A time of gathering for family and friends will be held 5-8 PM Tuesday, July 9th at the Lane Funeral Home Austintown Chapel, 5797 Mahoning Ave., Austintown.

Jim will be laid to rest in the Brunstetter Cemetery in Austintown.