We are very sad to announce the death of WBro John James (Jim) Parker, PAGDC.
WBro Jim was initiated into Old Northamptonian Lodge No. 5694 in November 1974.
He was also a subscribing member of Palmer Lodge of Provincial Grand Stewards No. 8995, a subscribing and founder member of Webb Ellis Lodge No. 9740, and an honorary member of Grand Junction Lodge No. 9775 and England’s Centre Lodge No. 2555. He was also a member of Northampton Chapter No. 360.
WBro John James (Jim) Parker, PAGDC at the laying of the Freemasons' Hall Foundation Stone, Sheaf Close, Northampton in March 2013
During his career, WBro Jim held several acting ranks: ProvGStwd in 1989, ProvAGDC in 1993 and ProvSGW in 2003. He became a Grand Officer in 2005 when he was promoted to the rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. Jim was a Group Officer for Northampton and Chairman of Freemasons' Hall Northampton Ltd.
In relation to Holy Royal Arch, WBro Jim was given an acting rank of Prov2ndAGSoj in 1999. He was promoted to PPGSN in 2004.
WBro Jim made a substantial contribution to Freemasonry during his career. His good friend WBro John Denton wrote -
"If Jim had a motto it would have been “controlled irreverence”. He was great fun. As Master, Director of Ceremonies and Chaplain of the Old Northamptonian Lodge he was superb. As Director of Ceremonies the Festive Board was strictly controlled, interspersed with lots of laughs".
There's no doubt Jim will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family.
Update Regarding Funeral Arrangements
The cremation of WBro Jim will be a private family-only service. This notwisthstanding, a public memorial service will take place on Thursday the 9th February 2017 at 2pm at Boughton Church, Church Street, Boughton and afterwards at Northamptonshire County Golf Club, Golf Ln, Church Brampton, Northampton NN6 8AY.