James was born in Essex and moved to Hertfordshire at the age of 16, where he took an engineering apprenticeship in the automotive industry. On completion of his apprenticeship and acquiring his professional qualifications he joined the family business in the metal refining and then later in property investment in both of which he is still involved to this day.
His Masonic career began when he was initiated into the Dacorum Lodge No. 8631 on the 5th October 1983 and where he became the Worshipful Master in April 1990 and subsequently the Lodge Secretary in 1992. James is proud of the fact that he has not missed a single meeting since his initiation. During this time he also joined the Hertfordshire Installed Masters Lodge No. 4090 and became a director of Ashwell House Masonic Centre in St. Albans, a duty he is still happy to be involved with.
In other orders, James has been the MEZ of Penmans Green Chapter No. 8384 and a member of the Hertfordshire First Principals Chapter No. 4090. In the Mark Degree he was the Master of Hemel Hempstead Mark No. 1291 and Commander of Hemel Hempstead Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 1291 and is a member of the Hertfordshire Installed Mark Masters Lodge No. 1121. Many brethren will probably know James from his role as the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies in the Mark Order. He is also currently the MWS of the Sabrixteworde Rose Croix Chapter No. 827.
James’s Provincial involvement began when he was first appointed as a Provincial Grand Steward in 1997 and promoted to Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon in 1999. This was followed by further promotion to Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2003 and then to Assistant Provincial Grand Master in 2006, the same year in which he was appointed in Grand Lodge to PJGD. During this time he has also joined numerous other lodges in different orders, both at Provincial and Lodge levels.
Living in Hemel Hempstead with his wife of 34 years, he and Heather have 3 children and 1 granddaughter, a family which James says keeps him joyfully active for most of the time. Both he and Heather enjoy travelling abroad whenever their busy schedules will allow.
Being asked by the Provincial Grand Master to join a superb Provincial Executive as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master was indeed an honour and James looks forward to making a full contribution to that team. He anticipates a most enjoyable time in visiting as many lodges as possible and to enjoy the company of the Hertfordshire brethren.
Updated : 20th Aug 2007