Jim and Lois Proctor

By JEFF HUTTON
Courier associate editor

HEDRICK - You won't find Jim and Lois Proctor enjoying their retirement in the quiet and comfort of their Hedrick home.

Chances are good, however, you'll find either one or both outside in the garden, working on a project at the Carl Craft Civic Center or working at an event during Hedrick BBQ Days.

And for a couple of "newcomers" to Hedrick, the Proctors have been instrumental is making their adopted hometown a better place to live for everyone.

"We've always helped out," Jim said, pointing to the new kitchen at the civic center.

"We were always people-oriented," said Lois, giving her husband a smile.

Indeed, the Proctors were mainstays in the Ottumwa community for a number of years, active in business and other endeavors. From 1988 to 2000, they owned Proctors Paint and Wall Covering.

They worked long hours at the store, but along the way they met a lot of people.

"They were not just our customers, they were our friends," said Jim.

And those friends, those personal contacts, have always been important to the Proctors.

Years prior, Lois operated the snack shack at Ottumwa Heights College and both were active in church activities. Their efforts gave them a connection with so many in the Ottumwa community.

When the couple closed the store in 2000, it was part of a bigger plan to "downsize." Their three children were grown and they didn't want a big house to contend with.

So, it made sense that they would start new, so to speak, and move from Ottumwa to Hedrick.

"You know, most people who have retired and moved to a new community, they just do a little bit of what they want to and put their feet up," said friend and longtime Hedrick resident Joyce Millikin. "That has not been the case with Jim and Lois."

She said the Proctors have jumped into a number of activities and projects, again making those personal connections in Hedrick as they had in Ottumwa.

"They just have more energy and great ideas. Whenever they have a great idea they follow through with it," Millikin said.

The Proctors are active participants in the remodel and renovation of the civic center - the former Hedrick High School gymnasium.

"Well, we love this old gym," beamed Lois.

And the gym has played host to monthly Sunday brunches. The Proctors, along with other volunteers, have hosted the events to raise money for the civic center.

Although they are not alone in their volunteer efforts, Millikin said make no mistake, the Proctors are "the main instigators" and very active.

Lois said Hedrick has been welcoming to her and her husband.

"We really like it here, it's a wonderful small town," she said. "We like being involved in things. It's so fulfilling."

And busy.

Along with the civic center, both are active in the local church and Jim is a church trustee. Lois works part-time at the bank and was recently elected as a Hedrick city councilwoman.

"They're just amazing people. Other people want to get involved because they inspire others to be involved," Millikin said. "They're just wonderful people to have in the community and we couldn't be more pleased."

The Proctors would probably shy away from such praise, but that's because they're too busy.

After all, the next Sunday brunch is only two weeks away.