Maryland Delegate James E. Proctor, Jr., serving Prince George’s and Charles counties died at age 79 from heart disease.

According to The Baltimore Sun,

Proctor, 79, was a retired school teacher and principal who joined the House of Delegates in 1990 when he was appointed to replace William R. McCaffrey, who retired. Proctor rose to the vice chairman’s post in the House Appropriations Committee.

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“He touched the lives of countless students during his many years as an educator in Prince George’s County, and served our country as a member of the United States Air Force,” [Governor] Hogan said in a statement. “We owe Delegate Proctor a debt of gratitude for a lifetime of public service on behalf of the state of Maryland.”

Proctor focused on improving education and advocated for Maryland’s historically black colleges, said House Speaker Michael E. Busch, an Anne Arundel Democrat.

“Jim was a great mentor to many members of the House and always had an open door and a good story to tell. Jim was a long-time personal friend,” Busch said in a statement.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., a Democrat who represents the same district as Proctor, said his colleague was a “true public servant,” attending community meetings and addressing the needs of his constituents.

“Jim Proctor’s impact on Southern Maryland and the entire state is impossible to measure, and his presence and friendship will be sorely missed,” Miller said in a statement.

Funeral arrangements were not immediately available. Please visit The Baltimore Sun online for the full article.