This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: WHITE, PORTELL, BENSON, YOUNG Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lNB.2ACI/4378 Message Board Post: James “Jim” Portell of Potosi, Missouri was born on May 28, 1952 in Potosi, Missouri. The son of the late Louise (White) Portell and Edgar Earl Portell. Jim departed this life on May 23, 2006 at the Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri having reached the age of fifty-three years, eleven months and twenty-five days. Jim is survived by three sisters, Amy Portell of Farmington, Missouri, Angela Portell of St. Charles, Missouri, Luanne Portell of Park Hills, Missouri; two brothers, David Portell of Belleview, Missouri, Joe Portell and wife Pat of Potosi, Missouri; aunts, Virginia Benson of Dittmer, Missouri, Erma Young of Farmington, Missouri, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Louise and Edgar Portell. Jim enjoyed going road riding, camping, fishing and taking in Mother Nature and her many gifts. He also liked to watch Cardinals baseball and the college basketball playoffs on television. Jim was an outstanding track athlete during high school. Jim served his country by enlisting into the United States Air Force. While serving in the military, Jim received recognition for Outstanding Service and Contribution to the Mission of Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. As a Staff Sergeant, Jim also completed the Non-Commissioned Officers Leadership School, while stationed on Okinawa, and received numerous other citations. Jim was proud of the service he gave to his country and received an Honorable Discharge on November 26, 1974. Visitation was held on Thursday, May 25, 2006 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Friday, May 26, 2006 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Moore Funeral Home, Potosi, Missouri. A funeral service was held on Friday, May 26, 2006 at 11:00 AM at the Moore Memorial Chapel, Potosi, Missouri with Reverend Jerry Compton officiating. Serving as pallbearers were, Steve Dunn, Garland Fitzwater, Ronnie Cain, Troy Fortner, Will Trest, and Joe Portell. Burial took place in the Furnace Creek Cemetery, Potosi, Missouri. Services were entrusted to the care and direction of the Moore Funeral Homes, 105 Clark Street, Potosi, Missouri. Independent Journal, Potosi, MO, Thursday, June 1, 2006