Maryland Delegate James Proctor has passed away at the age of 79. Proctor represented Charles and Prince George’s counties (District 27A) in Annapolis. His death was announced by the Maryland Democratic Party. Chairman D. Bruce Poole released the following statement:

“From his military service to his years in Prince George’s County public schools to his time in the legislature, Jim Proctor’s life was about serving others. He was passionate about the communities he represented, and he used his position on the Appropriations Committee to make a difference for families across Maryland. Jim was a kind, thoughtful and honorable man, and his absence will be felt when the General Assembly convenes in January. On behalf of Maryland Democrats, I extend my deepest sympathies to Susie, Edward, Stephanie, and the entire Proctor family.”

Governor Larry Hogan today issued the following statement on the passing of Delegate James E. Proctor, Jr. Governor Hogan also ordered flags to fly at half-staff in honor of the late delegate.

“The First Lady and I extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Delegate James Proctor. Delegate Proctor was a fixture in the General Assembly, passionately serving his constituents for 25 years. He touched the lives of countless students during his many years as an educator in Prince George’s County, and served our country as a member of the United States Air Force. We owe Delegate Proctor a debt of gratitude for a lifetime of public service on behalf of the state of Maryland.”

Proctor was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates since May 1990.  He was born in Washington, DC, on June 14, 1936. He attended Dunbar High School, Washington, DC and served in U.S. Air Force. Proctor attended Bowie State College where he got a B.S. in elementary education and a M.Ed. in administration. He was a principal in the Prince George’s County public school system for 17 years and also a virology research technician at the National Institutes of Health. His civic and legislative resume was long and distinguished, including the Charles McC. Mathias, Jr., Award from the House of Delegates in  2010.

Proctor was a member of St. Mary’s of Piscataway Catholic Church in Clinton. He was married and had ; two children and  three grandchildren.