James Merlan Proud, 70, of Gloucester, passed away at home on Friday, July 1, 2011.

He was born in Bartley, Neb., 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 in the Codes Compliance Division and retired in 2003.

Jim made his home in Norfolk and later relocated to Gloucester, with his wife Mary Proud. He was an active member of American Legion Post for 40 years and assisted in the remodeling the American Legion Hall Post 75 located in Gloucester.

He was preceded in death by his parents Glen and Vesta Proud of Bartley.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary (Bland) Proud of Gloucester, and a brother, Jerry Proud and his wife Marietta of Indianola, Neb. He will also be sadly missed by step-children, Linda Johnson (Fred Grossman) of Pekin, Ill., Debbie (Robert) Hall of Crestview, Fla., Moina (Paul) Buckles of Linden, Ind., Pete Levertt of Gloucester, and Georgia (Mike) Hagen of New Windsor, Md.; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

The family received friends on Wednesday, July 6, 2011, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Andrews Funeral Home with American Legion rites at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services and burial will take place in Kampsville, Ill.

In Jim’s memory, donations may be made to Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 1417, Gloucester, Va. 23061.

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