Most Excellent Past Grand High Priest (2016 – 2017)
Companion James Merrill “Jim” Tome was born in 1964 at Syracuse, New York. He was awarded
a bachelor of science degree from Northern Illinois University, and has pursued a career in advertising and marketing. On 14 February 2004, he married the former Debra Anne DeRuyck; together, they have two daughters.
Our MEGHP was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on 28 January 2006, in DeKalb Lodge No. 144, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Illinois, in DeKalb, over which he presided as Worshipful Master in 2009.
Jim was advanced to the degree of Mark Master and exalted to the supreme degree of Holy Royal Arch Mason, both on 6 January 2007, in DeKalb Chapter No. 52 in DeKalb, where he presided as Excellent High Priest in the years 2008-2009, and currently serves as Secretary. He is a plural member of Fox River Chapter No. 14 in Geneva, where he presided as Excellent High Pries in the years 2010-2011.
He received the Anointed Order of High Priesthood on 1 August 2008. He serves on the Masonic Relations and Membership Committees, and is the chairman of the Arch of Excellence Committee He has been our Grand Representative to the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of British Columbia and Yukon since 2008. He was awarded the Lyle R. Melvin Distinguished Service Award on 30 July 2010. He joined the Grand Chapter line on 31 July 2009 as Excellent Grand Steward, and was elected and installed as Excellent Grand Royal Arch Captain on 29 July 2011.
Companion Tome was greeted as a Select Master on 13 January 2008 in West Suburban Council No. 103, Cryptic Masons of Illinois, in Downers Grove, and is a Past Thrice Illustrious Master of the recently restored DeKalb Council No. 80. He is also a plural member of James C. Lovig Sr. Council No. 130 in Geneva. On 29 July 2010, he received the Grand Master’s Award of Leadership and was elected to and received the Order of Knights of Ish-Sodi, whom he currently serves as as Recorder.
Sir Knight Tome was dubbed and created a Knight of the Valiant and Magnanimous Order of the Temple on 13 January 2007 in Sycamore Commandery No. 15, Knights Templar of the State of Illinois, in a DeKalb, where he subsequently presided as Eminent Commander.
Our Grand Principal Sojourner was initiated into Qumran Council No. 407, Allied Masonic Degrees, in Downers Grove, on 30 April 2008. He is a plural member of Illuminati Council No. 495 at Addison, where he currently serves as Junior Deacon. He was created a Knight of York in Blackhawk York Rite College No. 88, in Freeport, on 8 February 2009, and currently serves as Prelate. He was installed into the degree of Knight of the East and West in Saint Bridget Council No. 23, Knight Masons of the U.S.A., on 16 October 2009.
As a Past Master, Past High Priest, Past Thrice Illustrious Master, and Past Eminent Commander, Sir Knight Tome was received into Illinois Priory No. 11 as a Knight of the York Cross of Honor on 18 July 2012.
Brother Tome was created a 32° Scottish Rite Freemason and Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret on 14 April 2007 in the
Valley of Freeport, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He was honored in September 2009 by being installed into the degrees of
Heredom of Kilwinning and Knight of the Rosy Cross under the Royal Order of Scotland.
Jim was created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in Tebala Shriners, A.A.O.N.M.S., of Rockford, on 21 April 2007.