Page 102 - 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 Grand

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