Bishop James W. Proctor is a native of Lake Charles, LA. He was the fourth of six children born to the late Mr. & Mrs. Simon Proctor. His elementary and secondary education was received at the Lake Charles Boston High School. He attended McNeese State University where he received a B.A. and an M.ED. He later matriculated to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where he received the Master of Religious Education Degree. He did further studies at seven different Universities and two Seminaries. He received the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Trinity Bible College and Seminary. In addition to pursuing his college degrees, he also served two years in the U.S. Army, during the Vietnam Conflict. His tour of duty brought him to Korea, Japan, Okinawa and Hawaii. He has also served as a High School Administrator, Teacher and Counselor. He was elected to the Acadia Parish School Board in 2015 and re-elected in 2018

 

In 1954 at the age of eleven, young James W. Proctor received the call to preach. However, he did not yield to the call until 1972. In 1973 he was ordained, and he took a sabbatical leave from his school counselor job, to attend the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. While attending and upon completing Seminary training, he served as Church Administrator and Director of Christian Education at First Church Of God In Christ in Crowley, LA. In 1975, while serving as Superintendent of the Lafayette District, Bishop Roy L.H. Winbush recommended that Bishop John W. White, would appoint Elder Proctor to serve the First Church Of God In Christ in Jeanerette, LA.

 

In January of 1976, Pastor Proctor assumed the Pastorate of First Church. He and his family joined forces with the Saints and embarked on a journey of growing God’s Kingdom. Pastor James Proctor’s leadership abilities led him to be appointed as Jurisdictional Mission Department President and Jurisdictional Sunday School President. In January of 2011 he was appointed Superintendent of the Franklin District Church  Of God In Christ. Because of his faithfulness and leadership abilities given be God, God chose this vessel, for such a time as this, to be elevated once again, to the Office of the Bishop. Bishop James W. Proctor was consecrated as the Jurisdictional Prelate of the Louisiana First Jurisdiction at the COGIC 110th Holy Convocation in St. Louis, Missouri on Sunday, November 12, 2017. Bishop Proctor continues to serve as the Chairman of the Curriculum Committee for the Church of God in Christ National Leadership Conference and a member of the Screening Committee of the Church of God in Christ, Inc.

 

 

He is married to First Lady, Dr. Ezora J. Proctor and they are the parents of Trina Renee Proctor and the late, Marcus Jacques Proctor and the proud grandparents of Trevyn Cole and Taj Jacques Proctor.