(07/10/41 – 04/20/25)

James L. Proctor, 83, of Chillicothe, died April 20, 2025, at his residence.  He was born July 10, 1941, in Chillicothe, to the late Kenneth M. and Kathryn V. (Dennewitz) Proctor.  On June 20, 1964, he married the former Ruhama L. Ritchie, who survives.

Also surviving are his daughter Keri (Josh) Young, of Chillicothe; daughter-in-law Julie Proctor; grandchildren: Maylee Brooke Young, Reid Andrew Proctor and Abbie Kay Proctor; his brother Donald Proctor; a sister-in-law Jamie (Dwight) Watson; 4 nephews: D.K. Proctor II, Jason Reid Proctor, Matthew Clay Watson, and Evan Ritchie Watson.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son James Andrew Proctor, and sister-in-law Lexie Proctor. 

Jim was a graduate of Chillicothe High School, Class of 1959.  He received his Bachelors of Education from Ohio University followed by a Masters Degree in Environmental Science.  His teaching career began at Starling Junior High School in Columbus, OH.  He returned to Chillicothe where he first taught Biology at Smith Junior High; then Chemistry at C.H.S.   As an instructor at Ohio University, he taught Chemistry and Microbiology.  Through the years, “Doc Proc” influenced the lives of thousands of students.

Jim was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and Sunday School teacher.  After retirement, he became active in the Chillicothe Noon Rotary.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 17, at 11am at the First Presbyterian Church, 13 Mead Dr., with Rev. Dr. Jason Link Officiating.  Private burial was held in Grandview Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either: First Presbyterian Church-Youth Program, 13 Mead Dr., Chillicothe, OH 45601, memo In Memory of Jim Proctor; or the Chillicothe Education Foundation, PO Box 6238, Chillicothe, OH 45601.  Write the check payable to CEF c/o Class of 1959; memo In Memory of Jim Proctor.