Portman, James

1938 - 2021

James J. Portman, age 82, son of Raymond G. Portman and Catherine L. Portman, passed away on January 5, 2021 at Friendship Village of Dublin (OH). He was born on September 29, 1938 in Sewickley, PA.HE was a graduate of Penn State University, with a PHD in Horticulture.after spending time in the United

States Peace Corps in El Salvador, where his parents had the opportunity to visit with him, and Vietnam, in the early 19060’s he moved to Ohio. He spent his career at the Ohio State University as an academic counselor and professor in the School of Agriculture and later in the School of Engineering, where he touched the lives of many student in a very uplifting and encouraging way. While he was a student at Penn State, he befriended an Amishman at a livestock show and formed a lifelong friendship with the extended family for the rest of his life, visiting their homes and schools in PA and OH. He loved teaching his horticulture knowledge with all who has an interest. In later years he would volunteer his time to ushering, helping his neighbors, and supporting his friends. He had a booth at the Ohio State Fair for many years selling organic honey products, later a concession stand at Ohio Downs, where he was fondly known as “Professor.”. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charles Robert Portman, Sr. He is survived by his nephew, Charles Robert (Kelly) Portman, Jr.; niece, Kathryn Elizabeth Portman; as well as great-nieces and nephews. There will be no visitation, and funeral arrangements will be private. Interment will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Butler, PA. Arrangements by COOK & SON-PALLAY FUNERAL HOME. Online guestbook at cookandsonpallay.com