By Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
Doug Proffit, a longtime James River High School athletic department volunteer, passed away earlier this month. His passing has prompted many to reflect on the 35 years that he spent in service to the department.
Jamie Talbott, the principal of James River, said that Proffit started out keeping the clock for girls’ basketball in 1981, but quickly expanded his involvement. The following year, he started keeping the clock for volleyball. He also served as the announcer for both sports.
Additionally, Proffit served as the announcer for soccer games, wrestling tournaments, and cheerleading competitions. In 1984, he started keeping the clock for boys’ basketball.
Despite his already busy volunteer service calendar, Proffit also took over catering responsibilities for the James River High School Sports Hall of Fame dinners. His catering responsibilities extended to the preparation of food for special guests and officials in the press box during football games.
“Doug Proffit was a kind and caring person who always went out of his way to help others. He spent the majority of his volunteer time in athletics, but he supported our school, faculty, staff, and student body as well by volunteering for numerous activities and events. Doug’s kindness and giving nature was highlighted through his love for preparing food for events and banquets. He was a generous person who was loved by all who came into contact with him during his 35 years of service to our school,” Talbott said.
Proffit stepped back from his volunteer duties when his wife, Sheila, retired from James River in 2017. Sheila served as the athletic director of the school for 16 years. In total, she worked at the school for 45 years.
