James "Ed" Porter

James "Ed" Edward Porter, age 83 of Beavercreek, passed away Saturday, July 5, 2025. He was born November 15, 1941 in Clintwood, Virginia, the son of the late Edward "Brown" and Mary June Porter.

Ed graduated from Clintwood High School in the class of 1959. He proudly served his county in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1968; both with the Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) 22 and Seal Team 2 during the Vietnam War. During his time in the military he earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, 2 Navy Commendation Medals with Gold Stars, a Vietnam Campaign Medal, a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. He went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from Wright State University in 1984. He worked as an adjunct professor for Wittenberg University and Wright State University as a scuba diving instructor. In addition, he owned and operated Adventures Unlimited where he taught scuba diving as well as sky diving to many students. Ed ultimately retired from Wright Patt as a civil servant after nearly 40 years of service.

In his free time, when he could find it, he enjoyed gardening. He will be remembered for his captivating spirit and legendary stories. There is no doubt that through the years, he has touched an enormous amount of lives and his legacy will continue to inspire others for years to come. Ed will truly be missed by so many family and friends.

Ed is survived by his children, Bill Porter and Meghan Porter; grandchildren, Alannah Browning, Wesly Tankersley and Gemma Carroll; brother, John Porter; and sisters, Tona Bockting and Diana Carol Porter.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 15, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home (3380 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432). A Celebration of Life will follow at 4:00 pm.

The livestream of Ed's Service will begin 5 minutes prior to the scheduled service time. Please click here to watch.