Proctor became a member of the House of Delegates in May 1990 when he was appointed to fill the vacancy caused when Delegate William R. McCaffrey retired.
He served on the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee, the Spending Affordability Committee and was a member of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland.
He also served as the vice-chairman of the House Appropriations Committee until his death in 2015.

His widow, Elizabeth G. (Susie) Proctor, was appointed to his seat by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan on October 9, 2015.
Proctor became a member of the House of Delegates in May 1990 when he was appointed to fill the vacancy caused when Delegate William R. McCaffrey retired. He served on the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee, the Spending Affordability Committee and was a member of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. He also served as the vice-chairman of the House Appropriations Committee until his death in 2015.
His widow, Elizabeth G. (Susie) Proctor, was appointed to his seat by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan on October 9, 2015.
James E. Proctor Jr.