James "Jimmy" Portela's Obituary
James Portela, 66, of Madison, formerly of Haymarket, passed away on Friday, January 14, 2011.
He was born in Havana, Cuba on Sept. 29, 1944 to the late Oscar and Lydia Portela (Crespo). In the early sixties he came to Miami through the Operation Pedro Pan. There he finished high school and later went to Texas to attend St. Edwards University. In 1963 he came to Northern Virginia. Jimmy later went to work for Dewberry & Davis. He began as a land surveyor and worked his way up to a project manager and supervisor in over 30 years with the company. He later worked for Bowman Consulting and the Engineering Groupe before retiring two years ago. Jimmy was an avid hunter, horseman and supporter of the National Rifle Association.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Pat Portela; three daughters, Christy Portela, Jamie Navarro and Stacey Portela; one sister, Ana Glaze; three grandchildren, Garrett Portela and Sydney and Caylin Navarro; a nephew, Jim Glaze; one niece, Julie Koch.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at Found and Sons Lee Funeral Chapel, 8521 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA 20109.
Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be expressed to his family at www.foundandsons.com.
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