John William Portman

John William Portman is the only child of MaryAnn and John Adelbert Portman Jr. (both preceded him in death) born on December 31, 1941, at Saint Ann’s Hospital in Chicago, IL.

As a result of his father’s job at General Electric, the family relocated to Milwaukee, WI. when John was in the first grade. After completing elementary school, the family relocated to Rolling Meadows, IL. One year later, the family moved to Chicago, IL. The family resided with his maternal grandfather after the death of his maternal grandmother.

John attended Arlington Heights High School but subsequently attended and graduated from Saint Phillip Basilica High School. John accepted Christ at an early age under the Roman Catholic Faith. His confirmation name was John William Patrick Portman. He was very active in church and school. He sang with the glee club.

John graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1964. He also attended three months of Dental School.

In 1964, John volunteered as a member of the National Guard 134 Regiment. His regiment was activated during the riots in Chicago for the assignations of both Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy.

He was activated again for the riots during the 1968 Democratic Convention that was held in Chicago. John served the 134 regiment from 1964-1970.

John was employed by Marriott In-Flight Services in 1964 where he met the love of his life, Eular Mae Gaston – Johnson (preceded him in death). John and Eular were united in Holy Matrimony on August 13, 1968. To this union two children were born: John William Portman Jr. (still born) at Cabrini Hospital and the Honorable Jackie Marie Portman-Brown at Little Company of Mary Hospital. John also became the proud father of Eular’s three daughters: Lolee, Cheryl, and Linda (preceded him in death).

In 1968, John was the Assistant Food Manager at Little Company of Mary Hospital. He continued to work in the food service industry at various locations and institutions. These institutions included but are not limited to the following: Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Methodist Nursing Home, Lutheran Home of the Aging, and Saint Ann’s Nursing Home.

In 1980, John was employed as a Mutuel Clerk at the various Horse Racing Tracks in the Chicagoland area until his retirement in 2010. He loved this job. John was a member of IBEW Local 134 Electrical Union, and he served as the union Steward at the Jackson Off Track Betting Facility.

When Linda became ill, John and Eular became the care givers of Linda’s four small children and raised them into and through adulthood. When Eular’s mother’s health began to fail, Eular and John gladly invited her mother to reside with them in their home. John and Eular took care of her mother until her mother’s transition home to be with the Lord.

John was very active and served in many positions during his daughters’, the Honorable Jackie Marie Portman-Brown Judicial Campaigns. In 2008, John’s daughter, Jackie, purchased a three unit building where he and Eular resided until their transitions.

In August 2010, John converted to the Missionary Baptist Faith and he was baptized under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Howard Randolph.

John was a faithful member and he served as the transport driver of the church van for its members. John loved to attend church and hearing the anointing word from his beloved Pastor Randolph. He would tell everyone that he is a Missionary Baptist now. John loved Rev. Randolph and yearned to hear his anointed messages from God.

When Pastor Randolph, held a special meeting for the men of New Faith when the church was trying to purchase the building across the street, John eagerly attended and donated $1,000.00 to the cause. It was not an uncommon sight to see John and his family at the outings where Rev. Randolph was preaching even when it was out of the State of Illinois. John remained a faithful member until his health declined.

On Friday, May 10, 2024, at 11:28am John was called home to be with the Lord. He was at home where he wanted to be surrounded by his loved ones. He made a peaceful transition and simply closed his eyes and went to sleep.

John was a wonderful provider, and he loved his family. John had many things that he loved and enjoyed. The following are some of his loves: car and horse-racing, all-night card parties, working, driving his family members and friends around town, driving to Milwaukee to get barbecue from Speed Queen and root beer floats from his favorite childhood hang-out, Gilles while stopping by and visiting with his brother-in-law, Rev. Dr. B. J. Gaston. He loved the Black Hawks, and he was an avid White Sox fan. He attended many White Sox games especially on opening day. Red Lobster was always his restaurant of choice, especially on Father’s Day.

While in the National Guard, he experienced a horrifying flight and although he loved to travel, he never flew in a plane again. However, this experience did not stop him from traveling. John loved to take road trips and he would take them spontaneously. Two of his favorite places were Las Vegas and New Orleans. John was able to drive to Las Vegas in less than 24 hours.

John leaves to cherish his memories: three daughters; the Honorable Jackie Marie Portman-Brown (Cortez); Lolee, and Cheryl (Johnny), all of Chicago, IL; nine grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, and twelve great great grandchildren; two brothers-in-law: Rev. B.J. Gaston of Milwaukee, WI, and Eugene Broome. A host of nieces, nephews, other family, friends, and co-workers. John’s health began to fail after the transition of his beloved wife, Eular.

A special thanks to his beloved daughters; Lolee and Jackie; son-in-law, Cortez; granddaughter, Dominique; and grandsons Walter and Tristin for all volunteering to help and being an integral part of his care giving team.

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