James “Woody” Steven Portell, 71, of La Crosse, passed away on June 12, 2024, at Gundersen Medical Center in La Crosse.

He was born on May 22, 1953, to Patricia Ann (Crofford) and Donald Steven Portell in Heidelberg, Germany. He was the son of a military family and had the opportunity to live abroad in Germany and Japan at a young age. He spoke a lot about these experiences. His family moved back to the United States where he eventually moved to Missouri then to Wisconsin. He really enjoyed being with his family, fishing and boating, gardening, classic rock and country music, and an occasional casino trip. He had a great gift of making others around him laugh.

James is survived by his fiancé and love of 43 years, Terry Cherry. Children: Jessica Cherry and Josh, Matthew Portell and Jennifer, Melissa Stull and Gary. Grandchildren: Trent “Buster”, River, Urijah, Octavia, Dylan, Jaycee. Siblings: Judy Boyer and Glen, William Carrick Portell, Paula Jensen and Kevin, Susie Thebeau and Kenny, Curt Cherry, Gary Cherry and Kathy, Denise Stigen, Laura Graybeal and Donnie. Also, many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, mother and father in-law Mary and Forrest Cherry, brother in-law Mike Jensen, nephews Keith Thebeau and Jason Woods. Numerous extended family members and friends. Also, his beloved cat, Bob.

A celebration of life will be held at Roy L. Vinger’s American Legion Post 52, 711 6th St S, La Crosse, WI on June 29, 2024, starting at noon.