John Murphy Porter II

August 7, 1947 – September 27, 2026

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He developed a sterling reputation as a trial lawyer, particularly in federal court.

John Murphy Porter II, (alias Peter K. Nartez) 79, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Provo, Utah.

John was born August 7, 1947, in San Bernardino, California, to Shirley and Jack Porter. He grew up in San Bernardino alongside his siblings Robyn, Danny, and Suzy, and graduated from San Bernardino High School.

He went on to earn his bachelor's degree from San Diego State University and his law degree from the University of San Diego.

John's greatest stroke of luck came on the side of a road. While he was hitchhiking at 16, a young woman named Connie pulled over and offered him a ride. The two were married in the Los Angeles California Temple on June 22, 1973.

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He was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many leadership callings.

John and Connie made their home in Riverside, California, where they raised four daughters: Kristie, Kelly, Katie, and Kendra. In 2021, John and Connie moved to Orem, Utah, to be closer to family andgrandchildren.

John started out right after law school at Roberts Mead and Harrison in Riverside, and tried his first case on his first day. That firm became Roberts and Morgan, and he was a critical part of the firm’s success. John developed a sterling reputation as a trial lawyer, particularly in federal court. Later, he and his two partners took their practice to Lewis Brisbois in San Bernardino, where they remained for over 20 years.

John became known as the preeminent practitioner of civil rights defense in the Inland Empire. He was welcomed into the American Board of Trial Advocates, an organization of elite trial lawyers, and was honored by his chapter as the winner of the Arthur Kelly Civility Award, the chapter’s highest honor. He mentored dozens of associates who treasured his legal acumen, and, more importantly, his example of kindness, steadiness and warmth.

He was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many leadership callings in the Riverside California Stake.

John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Connie; his daughters Kristie (Dave) Ferronato, Kelly (Brent) Faulkner, Katie (Aaron) Olson, and Kendra (Caleb) Wilkins; 13 grandchildren: Mattie, Jake, Khloe, Jared, John, Quinn, Lyla, Wade, Dean, Porter, Shirley, Pearl, and Mack; and his sisters Robyn Lawson and Suzy Cowan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Shirley Porter, and his brother, Danny Porter.

Services

A memorial service will be held Friday, October 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. (MST). at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home in Orem, Utah.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) at the Sunkist Center at Citrus Park, 9400 Dufferin Ave., Riverside, California.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the charity of your choice.