James B. Porter, 78

James B. Porter, 78, was born on Dec. 12, 1927, in East Orange, N.J. to John T. and Grace A. Porter. He passed away on Nov. 26, 2006, at home in Kalispell.

Jim moved to Carroll, Iowa, in 1936, where he received his early education.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1945 where he spent time in the Philippine Islands. He returned to marry Marcia Weeks on Jan. 20, 1947. He then enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1947, serving 18 months in Greenland and Duluth, Minn.

Jim returned to school at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., in 1950 where he trained to be an X-ray technician. Jim later left X-ray to pursue other business ventures. From 1961 to 1962 he served active duty in the U.S. Army and in 1978 he pursued the real estate business until his retirement.

Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, and most of all, traveling with his wife.

Jim's beloved wife and bridge partner of 47 years, Marcia Porter, preceded him in death in 1994.

He is survived by his daughter, Cheri Magnuson, of North Bend, Wash.; three grandchildren, William "Corey" Souther, Troy Souther and Janae Magnuson; and two great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his best canine-friend, Pelly. "Pelly will be enjoying his own Heaven" with Janae and her three dogs in Wisconsin.

Services will be held at 1 p.m., Dec. 1, at St. Matthew's Church in Kalispell.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Home Options Hospice in Kalispell.