Page 105 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ James O. Wood

1977-1978

Most Worshipful Brother James Orton Wood was born on a
ranch in Fleming, Colorado, and was educated in the local public
school system. He enrolled at the University of Colorado, but his
college education was interrupted by an enlistment in the Sea
Bees. His service to our country was in the South Pacific Theater
during WW II. Following his discharge, he resumed his
education at the University of Denver where he graduated with
majors in Business and Finance. He moved his young family to
Washington in 1951 to accept employment with The Boeing
Company, holding various assignments in the Manufacturing
Operations and Finance Departments.

James Wood petitioned St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 35, in Renton in November, 1960. He was
Initiated on January 11, 1961, Passed on January 25, Raised on February 15 and Enrolled as a
Master Mason on March 4, 1961. The following year he received his first Lodge appointment as
Junior Steward in 1963. There was an expectation of Lodge Officers in those days, that an
effort would be put forth to learn the ritual. Our brother took that to heart and learned it – all of it,
qualifying for his first Three- Year Proficiency Certificate which he faithfully renewed every three
years, even while serving as our eventual Grand Master!

In addition to serving St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 35, as Worshipful Master in 1967, Jim was elected
president of the King County Masters' Association. The following year he affiliated as a dual
member with the Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research, and began his service to the Grand Lodge
as Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 13. His tenure as Deputy lasted but one year as his
talents as a charismatic speaker were quickly recognized by an appointment as Grand Orator in
1969-1970. He was reappointed to that office for a second term in 1972-73. In 1970-71 he served
as chairman of the Standing Committee on Masonic Research and Education, and in that capacity
again in 1973-74. During the later term, Jim led the Committee in the development of the booklet
"What I Would Like My Friends to Know About Freemasonry”. He was appointed Grand Chaplain
in 1971-72, and that same year, worked on the committee that developed the "Suggested
Guidelines for Lodge Floor Work.” He later worked on the committee that developed the "Lodge
Management Proficiency Program”. He also served as Treasurer of the Arrangements Committees
for the 1969 and 1973 Annual Communications of the Grand Lodge.

In 1974, the delegates at Grand Lodge called on Brother Wood to fill the elective office of Junior