Page 17 - PGM Compendium
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Jim Mendoza: 2016-2017
Authors
VW Jeffery Brunson
VW Zane McCune
Most Worshipful Brother Jim Mendoza is a caring friend and
dedicated brother to everyone he encounters. His passion for the
human spirit and a true belief in the inherent goodness of people is
just the beginning of the journey Jim has taken thus far in his life.
Born in Seattle, Washington on February 26, 1963, Jim is the son
of Nicasio (Jimmie) Mendoza and Victoria Albrecht-Reyes, and
the stepson of Willem Albrecht. Jim is the eldest of four brothers.
Jim graduated from Federal Way High School in 1981, and
attended the University of Washington from 1981 – 1983. Life
takes many turns and Jim found success in business and made a
tough choice to suspend his studies until he would complete his
college education in 2008 with the University of Phoenix. Through
his dedication to continued learning, Jim holds a Bachelors of
Science Degree in Public Administration. Though he did not
graduate from the UW, Jim considers himself a Husky at heart and
proudly flies the purple & gold.
Brother Jim has been a proud member of the Order of DeMolay since June 8, 1977 when he was initiated
into Des Moines Chapter (now Rainier Chapter), and served as its Master Councilor in 1977. His Dad
Advisor was M⸫W⸫ Carl Smith. Little did he know of the lifelong friendship that was to follow.
Throughout his DeMolay career Jim was known for his ritual excellence in each part he learned, taking
competition awards every year at the annual Statewide Conclave. Because of this he was invited by all the
Masonic Groups to perform the Flower Talk (ceremony dedicated to Mothers), the Father’s Talk, and
served as the Installing Officer for Chapters all around the state. Jim ran for an Elected State Officer and
was narrowly defeated giving him the opportunity for a life lesson to be utilized down the road. Besides
you never know what the future will bring, like when he Installed a little-known kid as Master Councilor
(co-author VW Jeffery Brunson), who a few years later because the Executive Officer for DeMolay in
Washington.
DeMolay International honored Jim with the Degree of Chevalier in 1987 and the Active Legion of Honor
in 2002. During his year as Grand Master of Masons, he was shocked and humbled to be asked to assist in
the performance of the Flower Talk during his own Grand Master’s Class for DeMolay. It was an esteem
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