Mr. James H. Proctor

James Howard "Jim" Proctor, 75, died Friday, December 12, 2014 at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital from pneumonia. He was surrounded by family at the time of his death. He leaves his common law wife of 30 years, Catherine Anne Robinson, his son James Leonard Proctor, his daughter, Christina Lynn (Proctor) Bonigut; his three step-daughters, Alana Margaret (Robinson) Jordan, Jessica (Robinson) Kister, Ericia Bartels, his two step-sons, Errol Robinson and Aaron Robinson; his brother; Dave Proctor; his sister Barbara (Proctor) Campbell; fourteen grandchildren; and former spouse, Linda Zara. Born in the City of Highland Park, and raised in Dearborn, the son of Leonard E. Proctor and Marie E. (Berg) Proctor. He was a resident of Grosse Ile for more than 40 years. Jim graduated from Fordson High School in Dearborn in 1957 and attended Michigan State University where he played football and participated on the track and field team. After college, he moved downriver and worked in human resources for Ford Motor Company. He went on to become a restaurateur owing a Big Boy in the Trenton Triangle. He had many entrepreneurial endeavors during his life. He loved being a charter boat captain and in more recent years, working with Mrs. Robinson's Resale Shop and Estate Sales business. Later in life he found a passion for coaching track and field. During his career coaching the shot put and discus, he had numerous state qualifiers, and seven state championships. He coached at Grosse Ile High School, Woodhaven High School, Southgate High School and the College of Charleston. He was a beloved coach and enjoyed spending his days with his athletes on the field or in the weight room. Jim had a love for raising animals, gardening, hunting and fishing. You could often find him outside passing on all of these skills to his children and grandchildren. He was an avid story teller, sharing cherished stories about his childhood and family. One of his favorite stories was of his grandmother's solo voyage from Norway, and her struggle to raise 12 children alone on a tobacco farm in Wisconsin, after the death of her husband. He will be cremated at Martenson Funeral Home and his family will spread his ashes at his favorite place on this earth, in Cheboygan, Michigan. At his request, there will be no memorial service. Any donations can be made in his name to Brownstown Animal Shelter, 23700 Lillian Street, Brownstown, MI 48183, or the charity of choice.