James Proctor

James Proctor died February 23, 2021, at the age of 88 years old, at his home with his wife and family by his side. James was buried with military honors at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. James is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carol; daughter Deborah Williams (husband Jeff) of Philomath, Oregon; daughter Melanie Clem (husband Anthony) of Canby, Oregon; and son, Richard Proctor of Eugene. Jim has seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Jim has a brother, Andrew O. Jensen Jr. and sister-in-law Nancy. He is preceded in death by all three parents, two sisters (twins), two brothers and his first born grandson, Chad Alan France. James was born in Hogkins, South Carolina to Wilbur Proctor, Sr. and Janie (Watford) Proctor. James spent his younger years in Forest City, North Carolina where the Proctor family had many ties in Rutherford County. He attended Rutherford Elementary School before moving to Arkansas where Jim's mother met his step-father. They later moved to the Eugene, Oregon area with his mother and step-father, Andrew O. Jensen, Sr. James attended Colin Kelly Junior High School and University High School, which was near the University of Oregon. In 1952, during the Korean War, he joined the U.S. Navy . While in the Navy he met and married Mary Stockwell who was also serving in the U.S. Navy. They had 3 children. Jim and Mary later divorced. Upon discharge from the Navy, Jim enrolled in Eugene Technical-Vocational School, which later became Lane Community College. After school, he became an engineer and radio announcer for KASH radio, 1600 on top of your radio dial. Jim brought the station up to date by implementing a rock top 40 hits program that brought many teenagers in to listen to Smiling Jim Proctor. Along with working at the radio station, he continued working for Southern Pacific Railroad. Jim loved anything to do with sports, especially his beloved University of Oregon Ducks. Jim played many years on city softball teams and bowling leagues. Jim belong to many fraternal organizations; the Moose Lodge (where he served a term as Governor), the Elks and the Eagles. Jim loved music, get togethers, camping, travel, gardening veggies and his beautiful "Dinner Plate" dahlias, family and friends. There will be a celebration of his life August 28, 2021 in Eugene. Donations in his name can be made to Mooseheart, a residential childcare facility in Illinois and the University of Oregon's Athletic Department. "From the blue Pacific to the snow capped Cascades, everyone loves KASH, 1600 on top of your radio dial. This is Smiling Jim Proctor, signing off!'