UMCRM community members have been sharing memories and celebrations of Jack Porter this week. 

From Jane Petke, Co-Director at Suttle Lake Camp (OR):

"Jack and Ruth Porter served alongside of Daniel and I the summer of 2003, supporting us and the camp as we anticipated the birth of our first son.  I remember fondly one evening as the campers gathered in the parking lot after the first day's fire drill.  

Jack had the circle of campers look up around the circle at each other, asking, "What do we breathe in?"  The campers responded, "Oxygen!"  Then he asked, "What do we breathe out?".  The campers responded, "Carbon Di-Oxide!".  Then he had the campers look up at the tall trees surrounding them, asking "What do the trees breathe in?"   "Carbon Di-Oxide!" then asking "What do the trees breathe out?  "Oxygen!"  Then he simply said, "Isn't God good!"   I am thankful for the mentor that Jack was to me and so many camp leaders."  

From Sandy Sisson: "This is one of those times where you want to push the heart and sadness together...yes, truly a wonderful soul. It has been years ago, but I still count meeting Jack Porter as a privileged path crossing. While attending Southeastern UMC Conference Recreation, Camp, Retreat Gatherings at Sumatanga {week long events of learning/sharing/affirmation}, I was blessed experiencing workshops and his wisdom - fellowship campfire times. He made a difference in my chosen ministry vocation and personal life."

From John Erdman: "It was such an honor to follow in Jack’s footsteps at Wesley Woods and a real blessing to get to know him. He was always so positive, kind and passionate about camp and the young people we served."

From Randy Pasqua: "I am privileged to be from Holston Conference where I experienced as a teenager Jack’s leadership on retreats at Camp Wesley Woods, and then as a young pastor with ambitions for Outdoor Ministry. I am part of his camping leadership legacy that has grown from his deep love for God, for this world, but especially for us. He taught us how to listen deeply to each other as he did to us. He taught us to smile and laugh (particularly at ourselves) and find the joy in most all circumstances.  He introduced us to Jack Tales, stories of the adventures of Jack and his brothers and their life in the Appalachian Mountains. He modeled many of the antihero characteristics of Jack as he embraced life as it came, and looked after us with deep compassion and love. He always found a way to help us become the hero of the story rather than himself. This Christlike spirit is the foundation that Jack established for us to carry on as he ventured into the wider world of United Methodist Camping. And then we have been doubly blessed to have Jack back among us in his retirement years. Smiling, encouraging, and leading with a story of hope, possibility and love."

From Jan Thomas:  "I remember meeting Jack and Ruth at the first national gathering I attended in 1976. He told me that he was the director of Wesley Woods in Tennessee, which I had never heard of. Who knew that I later would be the director there and would live in the house that he built? Our paths crossed often through the years, and it was always a joy. His was a life well-lived."

From Lee Padgett: "...truly great servant...I remember Jack took me rappelling for the very first time during the SEJ annual recreation lab the week after Easter years ago. He had that genuine sweet gentle spirit that drew you in."

From Camp Tekoa (NC):  Jack was the Executive Director of Camp Tekoa in the 1980s-90s. He was a beloved fatherly figure to campers and staff for many years. Under his leadership, Tekoa reached thousands of children in the name of Christ and formed the faith of hundreds of young adults, many of whom are in ministry today. Jack served local churches in our area alongside his ministry at Tekoa out of his deep love of pastoral ministry.

Jack was known for his hilarious and engaging stories, his gentle chuckling laugh and his kindness to every person that knew him. He had a twinkle in his eye as he worked and played at camp, modeling for us all how to share the love of God with children. You might find him climbing a tree or scaling a rock or possibly scratching notes on a piece of cardboard for the next new ropes course element he'd thought up. He would never leave a piece of trash on the ground (after all he grew up in Scouting) and he would never leave a smidge of leftovers in the fridge (he had been spotted eating many varied concoctions and interesting combinations of food). The Camp Tekoa experience of today was formed under his leadership and vision.

Outside of Camp Tekoa, Jack was well-known in the Christian camping community. He revitalized several sites, assisted smaller locations in developing programs and constantly sought ways to support the greater camping community.

May we all remember the fun skits he performed with his beloved wife, Ruth, the Jack Tales stories he committed to heart and the beautiful echoing of Jack's voice across the lake at candlelight. Camp Tekoa exists today because of his deep love, sacrifice and call to ministry.

We know many more UMCRM folks have delightful memories of Jack. Feel free to add yours in the comments below!

Donations in Jack's honor may be sent to the Porter Scholarship Fund for sending children and youth to camp. Make checks payable to Holston Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries and write Porter Scholarship Fund in the memo line. Mail to Mary Thompson, CRM Executive Director, 262 Bart Green Dr., Gray, TN 37615.