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Subject: [BLACK-L] James Howard Black
Date: 23 Jul 2003 13:19:16 -0600

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Reprinted with permission of the Albuquerque Journal
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
Scottish Rite Freemason Was 'Valuable Asset' to Organization
By Paul Logan
Journal Staff Writer
Jim Black worked for most of his life in support of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.
Besides helping run the fraternal organization, the longtime Mason also did his share of community work, according to colleagues.
Black, an Albuquerque resident, died June 27 in Truth or Consequences of complications from a heart condition. He was 81. Services were held July 3 at Santa Fe National Cemetery.
Black was a "valuable asset" to the Masons, said Monroe K. Alexander. He said Black was his right-hand man when Alexander was sovereign grand inspector general.
"He was friendly and outgoing," Alexander said.
He said Black was known for his leadership ability, compassion and patriotism, adding: "It's a big loss as far as a lot of people are concerned."
The Masons, one of the largest and oldest fraternal organizations in the world, call God the "Great Architect of the Universe." They base their symbols and rituals on the tools and practices of the building professions.
Black was dedicated to the Masons' Order of De Molay, involving young men between the ages of 13 and 21, said Jim Hubbard, who headed the order for a number of years.
Hubbard said Black for nearly 30 years helped the organization, which promotes good character, brotherhood and patriotism. Black would go to all the Mason chapters throughout the state, mostly helping to train adults who then would work with the young men.
"He helped formulate programs for these kids," Hubbard said. "He never would fuss about the time or the money, he'd just go and do."
James Howard Black was born in Louisiana and reared in Huntsville, Texas.
During World War II, Black, a master sergeant, suffered a heart attack that left him 100 percent disabled and unable to completely extend himself in a career, Hubbard said.
Instead, Hubbard said, Black worked as hard as his heart would let him with Masonry.
He also was active in the Scottish Rite's free reading program for people who suffer from dyslexia, an impairment in the ability to read, Hubbard said.
"It's just his love for kids," Hubbard said of Black's devotion to the reading program. He said that since Black didn't have children of his own, he probably became more involved in helping children.
Hubbard said Black received the Honorary Legion of Honor for his De Molay work and the Grand Cross of Color for his work with the Order of the Rainbow for Girls.
Black's wife, Gladys, died in 1996.
Survivors include a sister, Marjorie B. Graves, of Houston, Texas.
Memorial donations may be made to the Scottish Rite Temple Preservation Fund or De Molay Foundation, P.O. Box 2024, Santa Fe, N.M. 87505.

Copyright 2003 Albuquerque Journal

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