James "Proud" Ehrlich

With grieving hearts we announce the passing of Proud (James Allen Ehrlich) of Island Mountain and Harris, California. He was 79 years old and died on August 17, 2024, surrounded by family.

Proud was born in Ridgefield, New Jersey in 1945 to Herbert and Irene Ehrlich. Family members included his sister Joan Walsh of Cape May Court House, New Jersey, and his brother Robert, now deceased. In addition to his sister, he is survived by several loving cousins.  

Proud, known at the time as Jim, graduated from high school in New Jersey in 1963 and later from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, where he studied business and played football. In 1968 Proud moved to East Lansing, Michigan where he met and fell in love with Marlene Broemer, a student at Michigan State University. The two soon married and made a home together. In the early 1970s they moved to Palo Alto, California where Proud worked at a preschool. In 1972 the two moved again, this time to Humboldt County where Proud spent the remainder of his life.  

When asked about his unusual name, he would tell you it came from listening to “Proud Mary” as sung by Creedence Clearwater Revival. No particular reason other than that he’d say. He just liked the tune.  

Proud and Marlene soon bought land in the woods near Harris with back-to-the-land enthusiasts and friends Douglas Fir, Christina Huff, Wood Massi, Jared Rossman, Jennifer Waters and others. Together they built a nine-sided house and formed a commune called the Nonagon. It was in Harris that Proud became a consummate gardener and an expert carpenter, building a jewel of a cabin for himself, deep in the woods, inaccessible by road and made from self-milled and recycled lumber. There he enjoyed the peace and quiet of nature.  

In the mid 1980s Proud and Maria Savage met and found they had much in common.  The conversation they started then continued for over thirty-five years. Proud and Maria bought land together in Island Mountain and built a home where they married, surrounded by friends and family, alongside Chamise Creek. 

Although he never had children of his own, he had many chosen family members including Becca Sheranian and her daughter, Rose Engel Stephens whom he helped raise. He was a parent as well to Yana Valachovic, who as a child lived the next parcel over, and to Maria’s daughters Maya Parson, Fairley De Cunha Parson, Caitlin Parson, and Dakotah Laufer.

His warmth, equanimity, and sly humor were an enriching privilege to grow up with.  

He volunteered with the Island Mountain Volunteer Fire Department and was good friends with many people in the area. He loved skiing, physical work, and backpacking in the wilderness (as well as playing ping pong in Garberville), with his buddies.  

Kindness was Proud’s religion. Being in his presence was an unmistakable feeling…If you knew him, you know. Big wheel, keep on turning. Proud Mary, keep on burning. Rolling, rolling…..   May his life be a gift to all who knew him.  

A public memorial is being planned for August 9, 2025 at Beginnings from 11-2.

For updates, call Wood Massi at (415) 860-3433. 

Donations in Proud’s honor can be made to the Palo Verde Volunteer Fire Department, 2928 Island Mountain Rd, Garberville, CA 95542.