Paul Joseph Portman

Paul Joseph Portman, 48, of South Haven and Portage, formerly of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away Saturday, May 5, 2018 at his Parent’s home in South Haven, MI after a courageous 3-year battle with stage IV Renal Cancer. He was born June 28, 1969 to Gerald Portman and Mary (Petersik) Herder in Cincinnati, Ohio. Paul graduated from Portage Central High School with the Class of 1987. He later went on to earn a degree in Aviation Management from South Illinois University, Cum Lauda, in 2000. He was an Operations Manager at United Airlines in Washington, D.C. and Chicago IL. Paul also earned Master Mechanic certifications in Advanced Auto Diagnostics which he applied in his recent years in Jacksonville, FL.

Paul resided in Jacksonville, FL. For the last 24 years and enjoyed both saltwater and freshwater fishing, his Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team, his dogs which he dearly loved, and computer design.

Paul is survived by his step-daughter -Kayla Cooper of Jacksonville, Florida, parents – Jerry W. (Julie) Portman of South Haven and Mary (Gary) Herder of Portage, siblings – Stephanie (Robb) Surns of Mattawan, Jennifer (David) Kindt of Marcellus, Brenda (Rob) Khoenle of Portage, Nicole (Ben) Fortson of Winfield, Illinois, Michelle Davis of Mattawan, and Cindi Bennett of Vicksburg. 17 nieces and nephews and three great nephews and nieces, and his Grandmother Dorothy Christison of Wilton, CT also survive.

Visitation will be held May 12, 2018, 9:00 AM at the St. Catherine of Siena Church, 1150 W. Center Ave., Portage, MI. A Funeral Mass will follow visitation at 10 AM at the church with Fr. Ken Schmidt officiating. The family asks that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Paul’s memory to the St. Vincent Cancer Foundation-Riverside, 1 Shircliff Way, PO Box 41564, Jacksonville, FL. 32203 or to the SPCA of Kalamazoo, 6955 W Kl Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.