MW Jim Mendoza
Grand Master, 2016-2017
Free & Accepted Masons of Washington
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 MW 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 pleasure for those in attendance to see him relive a great memory from his past while passing along a tradition to the new members initiated in his honor.
While in DeMolay, Jim met Laura Lee. Laura was a Chapter Sweetheart of Puyallup DeMolay and a Past Honored Queen of Bethel No. 30 in Puyallup. Not being one to rush things, he waited six months before asking her on a date. Jim and Laura were married on April 19, 1986. Being married to Laura is the greatest joy in his life.
Jim & Laura faced their greatest challenge when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. A survivor for more thanten years and counting, her strength inspired him to become a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness and the eradication of this and other cancers. Jim is a member of the Speakers Bureau and Grant Review Committee for Puget Sound Komen for the Cure. He and Laura have been consistent Top 100 Fund Raisers for the Annual Race for the Cure; and in 2011, Puget Sound Komen recognized Jim as its Outstanding New Volunteer.His charitable activities also include support of the Puget Sound Honor Flight Network and The 5th Avenue Musical Theater.
An avid fan of baseball, Jim was a volunteer umpire for Little League Baseball in the South King/North Pierce County area. In his time as a volunteer umpire, Jim trained and developed countless umpires and played an important role in ensuring kids in the South King/North Pierce County area had a positive on field experience. Jim’s service to Little League earned him the opportunity to umpire at the 1994 Western Regional Little League Tournament in San Bernardino CA (ask him what it is like to work games in front of crowds numbering 10,000+ people) and in the 2001 Junior League World Series in Taylor MI.
Professionally, Jim is employed by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) and is a member of the Education & Outreach Team. Jim experience as a registered investment advisor comes in handy as he travels Washington state conducting individual and group education sessions on the state pension and deferred compensation programs. Years of travel naturally led Jim to meet many of his Washington Masonic brethren. Well before his travels as Grand Master of Masons in Washington, Jim shared his passion for the Craft and inspired his brethren to engage with their corner of the world for the better. Without realizing it, the early seeds of his message as Grand Master had been planted and would later come to fruition as “Be the Difference”.
Jim also has a passion for musical theater. Jim & Laura have been long time regular attendees of Seattle theater and donors to the 5th Avenue Theater. However, it wasn’t until 2007 when he was encouraged by a close friend and professional singer to take the microphone and pursue his passion from a first-hand perspective. Jim’s unique style of entertainment coupled with his natural, at-home feel on stage soon made him a favorite choice for local lodges to formal Grand Lodge functions, from small social venues to larger fundraising events that wanted to add a musical highlight to their event. Not only has Jim serenadedall over the state but it became clear that music has since become a common thread running through the fabric of Jim’s life. (VWB Zane McCune has had the privilege to labor in the Masonic quarries and perform musical entertainment with MWB Jim since 2007 when he joined the Craft.)
Jim joined Freemasonry in 1997 as a Charter Initiate of the newly formed Frank S Land Lodge No. 313. Since joining he has jumped in with both feet and learned to explore the opportunities Masonry offers and discover the possibilities a Lodge can do to better its members. Jim served as Worshipful Master in 2003 and Secretary from 2005 to 2010. He also holds membership in Verity Lodge No. 59, LuzViMinda Lodge No. 317, Western Cascade Lodge No. 61 (Honorary), and Grand Mound Historic Lodge No. 3. He also holds and honorary membership with Aurora Lodge No. 15 in the Grand Lodge of Alaska. Jim received of the Grand Masters Achievement Award in 2002, and achieved the Certificate of Ritual Proficiency in 2007 which he has consistently renewed.
Jim’s first opportunity to serve our Grand Lodge came in 1999 as a member of a Special Task Force on Long Range Planning. The story goes, “let’s see what this kid is all about.” Since then the Grand Lodge Leadership has honored Jim with several appointments: Long Range Planning Team (2001 – 2004), Commission on Grand Lodge Reorganization (2003 – 2005), Long Range Planning Tiger Team (2004), Wardens Conference Leadership Team (2003 – 2009), Grand Representative to New York (2003 – present), Deputy of the Grand Master in District #13 (2004 – 2006), Leadership Training Committee, Co-Chairman (2006 – 2008), Arrangements Committee (2007 – 2009); Chairman, 2009 – 2011), Grand Lecturer (2008-2009), Long Range Planning, Chairman (2009 – 2010), Grand Marshal (2010 – 2011), and the Special Task Force on Planned Giving, Chairman (2011 – 2013).
While serving as Chairman of the Special Task Force on Planned Giving, Jim drew on his experience as a registered investment advisor. In collaboration with others who shared his passion, Jim began to blend investment education and retirement planning with ongoing and lifelong support of Freemasonry in Washington which resulted in a transformation that would push the Craft further in fulfilling its intention of doing good unto all. In 2012, at the Grand Lodge Annual Communication of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington, Washington Masonic Charities was born. Since then it has blossomed and now invests in youth and education, provides comfort and support for seniors and those in need, and to preserve and share the Masonic heritage of Washington State. Washington Masonic Charities is the 501 (c)3 incorporating and overseeing all of the charitable activities of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Washington Free and Accepted Masons.
Outside of the Blue Lodge, Jim is a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Tacoma. He enjoys the educational opportunities afforded by the Scottish Rite, participating in the Master Craftsman program. In 2013, he was designated as a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor. Jim is also a member of the York Rite bodies, having taken his degrees during his tenure as Grand Master.
Jim was elected Junior Grand Warden in Spokane in June 2013, and regularly progressed up the elected line until his installation into the Oriental Chair on June 11, 2016. An active user of social media, he started an online blog and maintained a Facebook pagethat detailed the experiences he had traveling around the state and his thoughts on how to improve one’s own life through Masonic teachings. It was inspirational to many Masons within the state.The blog culminated with his year as Grand Master, but he can still be followed on Facebook.
At his installation, Jim introduced a series of initiatives that he felt would help secure a positive foundation and advance the fraternity in Washington. These initiatives focused on central themes such as the quality of Masonic experience, leveraging technology, Masonic education, and development of future leaders. However, it was chance that intervened one day while Jim was traveling. At the airport he met a large group of veterans that were on their way back home after visiting the various war memorials in Washington D.C. That day Jim learned about the Honor Flight Network and was in that moment he became determined to involve the Freemasons of Washington in this cause. That initial spark inspired thousands of Masons to support the Puget Sound Honor Flight Networkwhich lead toFreemasons sponsoring multiple flights sending many of our most beloved Masons on one last trip to D.C. in tribute to their service and sacrifice.
Now a Past Grand Master, Jim serves as the President of the Board of Directors of Washington Masonic Charities and is chairman of the Development Committee. It might well seem that nearly everyone in this jurisdiction can look back on their Masonic journey and find there is a very good chance Jim was there. His service and dedication to the Craft has inspired brethren to nobler thoughts, to higher deeds and greater achievements. His message of “Be the Difference” will echo for years to come as brethren hear the call from refreshment back to labor for the good of all humanity.
Respectfully submitted,
VW Jeffery Brunson
VW Zane P. McCune