James Merlan Proud

GLOUCESTER, Virginia -- James Merlan Proud, 70, died at his home on Friday, July 1, 2011.

He was born in Bartley, Nebraska and joined the U.S. Navy in 1958 after graduating from Bartley High School. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 1977, after 20 years of service.

He started a second career for the City of Norfolk, Virginia in the codes compliance division and retired in 2003.

He made his home in Norfolk and later relocated to Gloucester with his wife, Mary Proud.

He was an active member of the American Legion Post for 40 years and assisted in the remodeling of American Legion Hall Post No. 75 located in Gloucester.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Mary (Bland) Proud of Gloucester; brother, Jerry and wife, Marietta Proud of Indianola, Nebraska; step-children, Linda Johnson and husband, Fred Grossman of Perkin, Illinois, Debbie and husband, Robert Hall of Crestview, Florida, Moina and husband, Paul Buckles of Linden, Indiana, Pete Levertt of Gloucester and Georgia and husband, Mike Hagen of New Windsor, Maryland; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services and burial will take place in Kampsville, Illinois.

Memorials may be made to Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 1417, Gloucester, VA 23061.

Andrews Funeral Home of Gloucester, Virginia is in charge of arrangements.

Announcement courtesy of Herrmann Funeral Home of McCook, Nebraska.