Pastor James W. Proctor is a native of Lake Charles, Louisiana. He was the fourth of six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Simon Proctor. His elementary and secondary education was received in the Lake Charles City School System, and he graduated from William Oscar Boston High School. Pastor Proctor attended McNeese State University in Lake Charles, and he received both the Bachelor of Art and the Master of Education degrees there. He later matriculated to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where he received the Master of Religious Education Degree. He has done further studies at seven different universities and two seminaries. He received the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Trinity Bible College and Seminary. He is married to Dr. Ezora J. Proctor, and they are the parents of two, Marcus Jacques and Trina Renee Proctor.

In addition to pursuing the 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 also taught school and served as a guidance counselor.

Pastor Proctor received his call to preach in 1954 at the age of eleven, however, he did not yield to the call until 1972. In 1973, he was ordained, and he took a sabbatical leave from his counselor job and attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. While attending and upon completing his seminary training he served as the church administrator and director of Christian Education at First Church of God in Christ in Crowley, Louisiana.

After completing his seminary training, he returned to serve as a high school counselor and was later promoted to serve as an assistant principal at the local high school in Crowley. Finally, he was promoted to the principalship at Rayne High School.

In 1975, while serving as the Superintendent of the Lafayette District, Bishop Roy L. H. Winbush recommended that Bishop John W. White would appoint Rev. Proctor to serve the First Church of God in Christ in Jeanerette, Louisiana. In January 1976, Pastor Proctor assumed the pastorate of the First Church. He and his family joined forces with the Saints at the church and embarked on a journey of growing and building God’s Church. The membership has grown since he became the pastor, and a new church has been built and paid for by the pastor and congregation.