Julius Porter January 21, 1924 - December 25, 2011

Chaplain Julius Vinson (J.V.) Porter Jr.
Jan. 21, 1924 ~ Dec. 25, 2011
J. V. Porter lived an exemplary life. He taught us much by the way he lived and more through the way he lived his dying. Through his living and dying, he showed us the importance of faith, love of others and integrity. The son of Julius Vinson Sr. and Martha Ellen (Meadows), he was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas. He served as a Marine Sergeant during World War II, in the South Pacific Theater. He fell in love with Edna Earl Willoughby, married in 1946 and found his calling to serve God in 1952. He attended Southern Methodist University (BBA), SW Baptist Theological Seminary (BA Div.) and Texas Christian University (M. Div.). He ministered to several communities in Southern and Eastern Oklahoma until he was selected to be the Chaplain and Director of Pastoral Care and Counseling for Baptist Hospital in 1962. J. V. faithfully served the patients and staff of Baptist Hospital for 15 years. It was during this time that J. V. began to formulate his ideas about grief and death. He has written numerous essays about these life events. J. V. was a founding member and trainer for Contact telephone Ministries, the first crisis intervention and referral phone service in Oklahoma County. He provided them consultation and guidance for 32 years. J. V. conducted numerous trainings, lectures and seminars on death and grief throughout his career. J. V. led Mid Del Youth & Family Counseling Center as Director, from 1977 to 1987. He touched the lives of so many people, clients and professionals alike. As a member of the Oklahoma Association of Youth Services, he was instrumental in the development and enactment of legislation that created the Oklahoma Commission for Children and Youth in 1978. He saved his masterpiece of inspiration and instruction for his last two years, as he exceeded all prognoses following his diagnoses of pancreatic cancer in 2009. J. V. is survived by his wife of 65 years, Edna. Together they raised two children, son Mike and his wife Paula and daughter Linda and her husband Marc Charney. Six grandchildren: grandsons Ryan Porter, Clint Porter and wife Leslie, great-grandson Grant; granddaughters Rachel Porter and Rebecca Porter, her fiancé Giuliano Popescu. Grandson Josiah Charney and wife Lauren, and great-granddaughter Lillian Grace Suzanne; grandson Jacob Charney. Jay's extended family includes Beth and husband Harold Thomas her children Taylor, Brandon, Alicia, DeAnna and Kaydence. Sister-in-law Ruth Lowden, nephews Don and J.T. Albert and dearest friends Doris Adams, Nina Maxwell, Jim and Becky Ivins. The family wishes to thank Betty Hernandez, Tina Cifuentes, Dr. Geister, Juli and Jamie and Hospice of Oklahoma County for their dedication and caregiving. J. V. touched the hearts and souls of countless persons through his ministry, chaplaincy and counseling. He was truly a man of God. Funeral service to be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, December 29th at Buchanan Funeral Service Chapel. Interment at Memorial Park Cemetery (Memorial Rd. and Kelley Ave.) following the service. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Hospice of Oklahoma County, Inc. or the charity of your choice. For more of J.V.'s thoughts about death and grief go to: www.GriefAPositive.com.
To Be or Not to Be…
Spiritually grounded, anchored in the Ground of Being, Philosophically rounded in the musical sound of Truth, Psychologically founded in the sanity of Holy balance.
… That is the Question
"I'm J. V. Porter and I approve this obituary"