Johnny O. Portman, of Monroe, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, at the age of 71.

Born on August 15, 1954, he was the son of Jessie and Helen Pauline Portman. He lived in Monroe his entire life and graduated from Neville High School in 1972.

Johnny briefly worked as an ironworker before beginning a longstanding career at Ryan Auto Group, where he dedicated over 45 years of service. His customers would attest to his genuine passion for delivering best-in-class customer service and ensuring that everyone who walked into the dealership was thoroughly and thoughtfully cared for.

Johnny married the love of his life, Janet Jobe Portman, on July 14, 1979. Together, they built a marriage and family that spanned more than 46 years, founded on love, laughter, and true friendship. Johnny and Janet had two daughters, Sarah and Helen, whom he loved and cared for deeply, often putting their needs above his own. He always supported “his girls” in reaching their highest potential, whether in sports, education, careers, or their own families.

Johnny had a lifelong passion for the outdoors. As a teenager, he could often be found skipping school to fit in a quick duck hunt with friends. As an adult, he became a tried-and-true “weekend warrior,” heading to Tensas Parish as quickly as he could on Friday evenings. He cherished his weekend hunts at Somerset during the cooler months and enjoyed hot summer days relaxing on Lake Bruin. In recent years, he could also be seen running the river levee with his loyal dog, Jazz, training her for their next field trial.

More than anything, Johnny will be remembered for his friendships with all those he held dear to his heart, each of whom was always considered a part of “Uncle Johnny’s” family. His genuine spirit and presence strengthened those around him, and his loyalty, humor, and steady nature left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Survivors include his wife, Janet Portman; his children, Sarah Portman Zagar and husband Logan Zagar, and Helen Portman Ajlani and husband David Ajlani; and his mother-in-law, Pansy Garner. He adored and took great pride in his grandchildren, Riley Claire Zagar, John Owen Zagar, Avery Ajlani, and Emery Ajlani.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents and his faithful four-legged companions, Shugg and Skye.

Pallbearers include Greg Green, Ned White, Lennon Inabnet, Thad Ryan III, Wilson Mabray, John Gaiennie Jr., Trimble Mabray, Ethan Benton, Murray Beidenharn, and Kim Hogue.

Honorary pallbearers include David Ajlani, Logan Zagar, John Owen Zagar, David Miller, Paul Peters, William Anders, Thad Ryan Jr., Thad Ryan IV, Nathan Ryan, Toby Liner, Erich Spikes, Dave McLellan, friends of Somerset Hunting Club, his special colleagues at Ryan Auto Group, and fellow members of West Mississippi HRC and North Louisiana HRC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hunting Retriever Club Foundation, Inc. or M.D. Anderson.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, in the West Venue of North Monroe Baptist Church, with Rev. John Mabray officiating, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until service time. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery.