John Valentine, age 83, a resident of Portland, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at IU Health Ball Hospital in Muncie.

John was born August 26, 1942, in Portland, the son of Woodrow and Rickie (Rowles) Valentine. He graduated from Governor IP Gray School in 1960 and served in the Army National Guard. John farmed in Greene Township for many years and later retired from the United States Postal Service in 2002. John is the only individual to receive the title High Priest Ameritas through the National Grange and previously served as State Master of the Grange. He was a lifetime member of the Portland Grange #2190. He was a member of Hopewell Evangelistic Church in rural Portland.

John married Nancy Hummer on March 30, 1962 and she passed away on June 6, 2017.

Survivors include:

His children: Annette Stultz (husband Larry) – Portland, Indiana

Stephanie Hastings-Throckmorton (husband Bill) – Indianapolis, Indiana

Gary Valentine – Carmel, Indiana

His sister: Jean Bantz – Redkey, Indiana

His grandchildren: Josh Stultz (wife Monica), Jordan Stultz (Abby McElroy), Georgia Hastings (Jonathan Kroenke), Charlie Valentine and Elizabeth Valentine

Great-grandchildren: Caleb Isaac Stultz, and Brooklyn Elizabeth Stultz

Visitation will be held on Saturday from 3-7 p.m. at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland. Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Private graveside services will be held on Sunday at Center Cemetery, west of Portland.

Memorials may be directed towards Hopewell Evangelistic Church or Jay County Historical Society.