A Life of Duty, Family, and Service

Honoring Lt. Col. John G. “Jack” Porter, USA (Ret.)

Lt. Col. Jack Porter passed away just eight hours after celebrating his 91st birthday on January 18, 2023. A decorated Army Ranger, West Point grad, combat veteran, engineer, teacher, volunteer, mentor, and pillar of his community, Jack was devoted to service in every chapter of his life.

Married to his beloved wife, Cynny, for 68 years, they built a life of love, legacy, and unwavering commitment — to their family, to their country, and to their community. Their circle of love extended far beyond blood relatives. It included honorary family, adopted hearts, and lifelong friends who showed up from every corner of the country — Florida, California, Washington, Connecticut, Alaska, Texas, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin — to honor him in Stevens Point.

While Dad passed in January, we held the memorial service in April to allow time for better weather and for family and friends to travel in from across the country.

While I was less hands-on with this service compared to others, that was by design. This time, I stood behind my mom, helping guide and support her as she carried out her vision. She selected the speakers, chose the music and readings, and decided who would be invited to participate. I filled in where needed, supporting her throughout the planning.

Naturally, I coordinated the flowers — a meaningful mix of red, white, and blue.

I also collaborated with her on the reception food and the private family dinner that followed. Steve, Mom, and I pulled together to create the photo boards. And I had the idea to commission a special cover illustration of Dad, hand-drawn by Chinh — my honorary Vietnamese brother. I designed the program and thank-you notes around that image. It was personal, beautiful, and deeply meaningful. We livestreamed the service for those who couldn’t attend in person.

I wrote a eulogy, but I knew I would be too emotional to deliver it. My life partner, Steve, read it on my behalf. Other speakers included my honorary Vietnamese sister, Nha-Ai, and a long-lost cousin who reunited with our family after being adopted out as a child, Rick. Other friends and family members either spoke or sang.

One of the most powerful tributes came from longtime family friend Bob Friday, who shared the story of how my dad supported his brother Don after a devastating stroke in 2000. Without any immediate family nearby, my dad became his lifeline — taking him to swim classes, every UWSP football and basketball game, and countless Packers games with the Friday family’s season tickets. He helped him navigate stadium stairs, assisted with everything from transportation to personal care, and never treated him as a burden. As Bob said, “Don would have died many years earlier if it weren’t for Jack.”

The online tributes poured in from those whose lives he quietly impacted: