James Walter Proctor

James Walter Proctor departed his earthly life on Friday, June 26, 2020. He was 89 years of age. James Walter Proctor was born on September 22, 1930 in Washington, DC. He was the first child of the late Walter A. and Maude C. Proctor. James was raised and attended school in Clinton, Maryland. On May 7, 1949, James married Genevieve V. Proctor of Oxon Hill, Maryland with whom he remained married for 45 years. He was a devoted father to nine children: Patricia, James, Jr., Joyce, LaVerne, Joseph (deceased), Nancy, Thomas (Darren), Jeffrey and Sean. He also assisted in raising his sister-in-law, Gwendolyn Proctor, and niece, Charlene “Vicky” Proctor. Our Dad was the true definition of a Renaissance Man. His gifts were many – carpentry, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and musical. He had such a strong analytical ability to figure out the most complex of problems and then the mechanical ability to build it or fix it. He mastered so many crafts that family and friends depended on his help in times of need. Dad could build a house from top to bottom. This ability was also displayed in his work life as he worked his way up from maintenance to managing a branch of the National Park Service before his retirement. Outside of work, he had a true passion for music. His Band, the D. C. Wildcats, played many a venue in the DC-Maryland area. He even provided the music at one of his daughters’ wedding. Dad’s band was the opening act for many celebrities including James Brown, Clarence Carter, and Wilson Pickett. Dad could play many instruments. His love for guitars is something we all will remember as he kept us up many nights plucking on his guitar. Dad was also a fashionista! He liked to look good and he did. Dad also loved his many vehicles and especially his RV. We have many fond memories of our many trips with Dad in his RV to the jazz festival and Pennsylvania State Fair. Most importantly, Dad was extremely proud of his family. While a quiet man in most situations, he had the uncanny ability to make us all feel important and loved. He was funny without being mean. His kindness and sensitivity was always on display. We knew we could trust him with our deepest thoughts and that his response would be honest and thoughtful. After Dad retired from the National Park Service, he never slowed down. For several years he owned and ran his oil business. He was always available to assist his family with their repair and renovation projects. Most recently, at 89 years old, he completed a full home renovation for his daughter. Thank you, Dad, for always being there for us and instilling in us the importance of family. You will remain in our thoughts and hearts forever. Each of his family members and friends enjoyed the special relationship they shared with him. He is survived by his children: Patricia Campbell, James W. Proctor Jr., Joyce Blake (Randolph), LaVerne Street (Calvin), Nancy Dowdy (Ronald), Thomas Proctor, Jeffrey Proctor, and Sean Hedgman. He also leaves to cherish his memory: grandchildren, James Brian Proctor, Kimberly Blake Jackson (Jeremiah), Cynthia Heather Campbell, Benjamin H. Blake Jr. (Elisa), Crystal Julia Maddox (Lemond), Chad Donnell Street (Tammy), Destiny Lynn Dowdy, Jason Walter Street (Katherine), Douglas White (Fallon), Ryan Stewart Dowdy, David A. Tairu, Mykal R. Tairu, Neiko Marquis Proctor, Stephen Jamar Proctor, Sade Dorothy Annette Alfred, James Matthew Proctor (Elexus), Desiree Hedgman, and 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters, Dorothy (Dot) Branson, and Hattie Adams, and brother, Joseph Proctor. He is preceded in death by: parents, Walter A. and Maude C. Proctor, son, Joseph Proctor, brother, Thomas Proctor, and sister-in-law Eleanor Proctor. For those who would like to virtually attend the service a link is provided below : https://youtu.be/VASif8m16Z4 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Walter Proctor please visit our Sympathy Store.