Michael Porter
John David Porter, 94, passed away on June 15, 2025, in Vallejo, California. Born on August 17, 1930, in Pittsfield, Illinois, John lived a long and thoughtful life marked by intellectual curiosity, deep personal growth, and love for his family and community.
John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics and mathematics from Phillips University in 1958. He later pursued graduate studies in actuarial science at Occidental College. He spent most of his career working in various aspects of Human Resources. This included three years at an actuarial consulting firm; fifteen years with the University of California’s University-Wide Administration, the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, and the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory; ten years at the Stanford Research Institute; and three years with an engineering firm in Vancouver, Canada.
From 1951 to 1955, John served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as a weatherman aboard the aircraft carrier USS Essex. While proud of his military service, he did not define himself by it.
In 1970, John and his beloved wife Jacqueline Ann Porter (née Dawson) chose to leave formal religious institutions behind in favor of a more spiritual path. In 2001, they joined Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation where they found a vibrant community that enriched their lives deeply. Together they led services, chaired committees, and hosted numerous Adult Religious Education classes in their home—including two poetry groups that met twice monthly for many years. Their involvement left a lasting imprint on the congregation and fostered many cherished friendships.
John was a man of quiet depth—tall, serious, thoughtful—yet capable of great playfulness and warmth. He was an excellent communicator and expressed himself through writing stories and poems, self publishing 3 books in his later years.
When asked, he said that marrying Jackie was the best decision he ever made. Their partnership was one of mutual respect and shared values—a foundation that supported their family through decades of life’s joys and challenges.
John is survived by his son Michael Porter and wife Susan Smith; daughter Kimberly Porter-Leite and wife Dulcinea Leite; granddaughter Jennifer Shoultes; grandson James Graham and wife Jennifer Graham; great-grandson George Shoultes; brother Calvin Porter and wife Marilyn Porter.
He was preceded in death by his wife Jacqueline Ann Porter; sons John David Porter (and wife Lilla) and James Andrew Porter; parents Calvin Reese Porter and Mary Entrikin Porter; brother Robert Reese Porter (and wife Shirley).
John’s legacy lives on through those who knew him—as a thinker, writer, friend, father, grandfather—and as someone who never stopped growing or caring deeply about others. A Memorial Service will be held on August 16, 2025, at 01:00 PM at Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Church 2950 Washington Blvd Fremont
John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics and mathematics from Phillips University in 1958. He later pursued graduate studies in actuarial science at Occidental College. He spent most of his career working in various aspects of Human Resources. This included three years at an actuarial consulting firm; fifteen years with the University of California’s University-Wide Administration, the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, and the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory; ten years at the Stanford Research Institute; and three years with an engineering firm in Vancouver, Canada.
From 1951 to 1955, John served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as a weatherman aboard the aircraft carrier USS Essex. While proud of his military service, he did not define himself by it.
In 1970, John and his beloved wife Jacqueline Ann Porter (née Dawson) chose to leave formal religious institutions behind in favor of a more spiritual path. In 2001, they joined Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation where they found a vibrant community that enriched their lives deeply. Together they led services, chaired committees, and hosted numerous Adult Religious Education classes in their home—including two poetry groups that met twice monthly for many years. Their involvement left a lasting imprint on the congregation and fostered many cherished friendships.
John was a man of quiet depth—tall, serious, thoughtful—yet capable of great playfulness and warmth. He was an excellent communicator and expressed himself through writing stories and poems, self publishing 3 books in his later years.
When asked, he said that marrying Jackie was the best decision he ever made. Their partnership was one of mutual respect and shared values—a foundation that supported their family through decades of life’s joys and challenges.
John is survived by his son Michael Porter and wife Susan Smith; daughter Kimberly Porter-Leite and wife Dulcinea Leite; granddaughter Jennifer Shoultes; grandson James Graham and wife Jennifer Graham; great-grandson George Shoultes; brother Calvin Porter and wife Marilyn Porter.
He was preceded in death by his wife Jacqueline Ann Porter; sons John David Porter (and wife Lilla) and James Andrew Porter; parents Calvin Reese Porter and Mary Entrikin Porter; brother Robert Reese Porter (and wife Shirley).
John’s legacy lives on through those who knew him—as a thinker, writer, friend, father, grandfather—and as someone who never stopped growing or caring deeply about others. A Memorial Service will be held on August 16, 2025, at 01:00 PM at Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Church 2950 Washington Blvd Fremont
