IN MEMORIAM: Jim Porteus, 80;
Oneonta Native, Truck Enthusiast
ONEONTA – Oneonta native E. James “Jim” Porteus, 80, of Bozeman, Mont., a truck driver and truck enthusiast, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019.
He was born April 23, 1939, in Oneonta, to James E. and Fanny Ida (Potter) Porteus. Jim served his country in the Army. On January 20, 1968 Jim and Joann welcomed their son, Curt.
Jim was a member of the Eagles and loved attending any antique truck/tractor show that he could. This year he was able to attend the 20th annual Brockway Truck show in Cortland, and he had the time of his life.
As a profession, Jim was a truck driver and auctioneer. In his younger days, he competed in Logger Days in Kalispell, Mont. After retiring, Jim drove truck on the Alaska ice roads for a couple of years. He loved it if the weather was colder than -40 degrees. He also ran Porteus BBQ and Auction beginning in 1989, until later selling the company.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Earl Porteus; and former spouses, Diane Barnhart Porteus and Dutch Porteus.
Survivors include his son, Curt (Alisa) Porteus; grandson, Cassidy (Katie) Porteus; great-grandkids, Zoe, Lexi, Ella and Owen Porteus; step-daughter, Debi Simpson and her sons, Christopher Motichka (his daughters, Paige and Aubrey) and T.J. Motichka; brother, Tom (Lois) Porteus; sister-in-law, June Porteus; and several nieces and nephews.
A party to celebrate Jim’s life is planned 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15 at the Lindley Center, 1102 E. Curtiss St., Bozeman, Mont. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brockway Museum & Truck Preservation Association, 4386 US-11, Cortland, NY 13045.