MSG (Ret) James Arthur Proctor Sr.

MSG (Ret) James Arthur Proctor, Sr., son of the late Luther and Jessie Mae (Smith) Proctor, was born January 23, 1931 in Sylvester, Georgia. As a young boy, James attended school in Sylvester, Georgia and then furthered his education at Lee County Training School from 1944-1949 and at Albany State College in Albany, Georgia from 1949 – 1951. On August 10, 1958 in Douglas, Georgia, James was united in marriage to the love of his life, Miss Rachel Irene Moss. They shared over 54 years of marriage together and were blessed with five children: James Arthur, Sampson Cornelius, Thaydious Bernard, Venson Donnell and Wanida June. James enlisted in the United States Army in 1959 and served his country faithfully until his retirement in 1985. He had attained the rank of Master Sergeant. During his military career, he served in many capacities; some of which include: Drill Sergeant – 7 years, 1st Sergeant – 1 ½ years, Infantry soldier – 5 years, Combat Engineer – 21 years, Platoon Sergeant – 2 years, and Operations/Training NCO – 6 years. James also served in the Army Reserve in Dawson, Georgia and also worked as a civil serviceman in Albany, Georgia. James made a very important decision in his life at an early age – he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized. He was a member of the House of God Saints in Christ in Georgia from 1952 to 1985 and after moving to the Dixon area, he became a member of the New Life Holiness Church from 1985 to present. He was very active in the church and served as an ordained deacon and elder in the House of God Saints in Christ Church and also as a Sunday School Superintendent. James was a Bible scholar and was committed to knowing the Word of God. In his spare time, James enjoyed being a do-it-yourself mechanic and carpenter. He also loved music and was very gifted in playing the trumpet, tambourine and harmonica. James was a member of the American Legion and also the National Republican Senatorial Committee. James went home to be with Jesus at 9:37 a.m. Tuesday, December 11, 2012 in the Mercy Hospital of Springfield, Missouri having attained the age of 81 years, 10 months and 18 days. He will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved him. James leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Rachel Proctor of the home; five children: James Arthur Proctor, Jr. of Kansas City, MO, Sampson Cornelius Proctor of Dixon, MO, Thaydious Bernard Proctor of St. Robert, MO, Venson Donnell Proctor of Fayetteville, AR and Wanida June Proctor of Dixon, MO; five siblings: Alberta Jackson of Albany, GA, Georgia Mae Hooks of Titusville, FL, Katheleen Roberts of Albany, GA, Luther Proctor of Albany, GA and George R. Proctor of Albany, GA; four grandchildren; one great granddaughter; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law: Emory and Eleanor Proctor. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 15, 2012 in the New Life Holiness Church of Dixon with Pastor Cynthia Moore officiating. Several family members participated in the service along with James’ children providing the music. Bishop Ronnie Webb delivered the message and led the benediction. Burial with military honors were held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 17, 2012 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Fort Leonard Wood. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

MSG (Ret) James Arthur Proctor Sr.

January 23, 1931 - December 11, 2012