IN LOVING MEMORY
John E. "Jack" Proud
November 19, 2019

High School Teacher, Administrator, and Oswego County Legislator, John E. “Jack” Proud, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at Seneca Hill Manor.

Jack was born on May 14, 1935 in Oswego, NY; the son of Jack and Carrie (Petrie) Proud. He was a 1953 Graduate of Oswego High School and a 1957 Graduate of Oswego State (summa cum laude). He was a lifelong member of Beta Tau Epsilon Fraternity.

Jack served as a member of the National Guard from 1957-1963.

His two careers centered on helping others. Starting in 1958, Jack taught both Junior High and High School English in the Mexico (NY) School system. He also coached Varsity Football and JV Basketball in fifteen years. In 1973, he joined the administrative ranks as a Vice-Principal and a Secondary Curriculum Supervisor. In 1982, he became the Principal of Mexico High School, a job he held until his retirement from education in 1994. As a Teacher, Jack was also a past President of the Mexico Faculty Association and helped to compose and negotiate the original contract between the Mexico Faculty Association and the Mexico Board of Education. In 1995, he was noted by the naming of the Mexico High School Gym in his honor.

As one who always held a passion for public service, in 1995, Jack became the Town of Mexico County Legislator. He served in county government for 22 years until his retirement in 2017. Jack was also Majority Leader for several years, and ended his career as Chair of the Oswego County Legislative Committee of the Board of Health.

Upon retirement, Jack’s service was honored as the Legislature named the street leading to the Health Department, “John Proud Drive”.

A rabid sports fan, Jack was a member of both Mexico’s Tuesday Night and Palermo’s Monday Night golf leagues for over 50 years. He was a member of the Oswego Elks and the Eis Haus basketball team in the Oswego Men’s “Over 40 League”. He was an ardent fan of all SU sports. He thoroughly enjoyed watching his granddaughter, Bailey Groves, raced on a dirt track, and his great nephew, Camden Proud, race at Oswego Speedway.

The deceased is survived by his wife of 44 years, Allie (Youngs) Proud; a son, Randall (Mary Ann) Groves; and a loving granddaughter, Bailey; along with a brother, Lawrence (Francie) and his family. He is also survived by nephews, Michael, Mark, Timothy and Christopher Proud.

Jack was pre-deceased by his brother, Asa Proud, and his wife, Gail.

Calling Hours will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, November 24, at the Harter Funeral Home, Inc. 9 Washington Avenue, Mexico, NY. A Private Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, 2019 at the convenience of the family.

Those wishing to honor Jack’s memory may make a donation to any of the following, Mexico Dollars for Scholars, The Mexico Historical Society or the Mexico Sports Boosters.

To send flowers to the family of John E. Proud, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.