MOST EXCELLENT COMPANION JAMES WESELY TATE

August 16, 1960 – September 4, 2026

It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of Most Excellent Companion James Wesley Tate, Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Georgia, who has laid down his working tools of life.

Most Excellent Companion Jim served our country in the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class.  He served as a Tomb Guard of the Unknown Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington DC.  He served there as Assistant Sergeant of the Guard, Commander of Relief. 

Most Excellent Companion Jim was a Past Master of Fort Benning Lodge No. 579, Past District Deputy Grand Master for the Fourth District, Subdistrict A.  He was the sitting Deputy Master for the Fourth District Convention.  

In York Rite Freemasonry, Most Excellent Companion was a member of Fort Benning Chapter No. 73, Royal Arch Masons, Fort Benning Council No. 73, Royal & Select Masters, and Fort Benning Commandery No. 73, Knights Templar (where he was a Charter member).  He has served as a Past High Priest, Past Illustrious Master, and Past Commander.  He is a Past High Priest of the Fourth District Royal Arch Masons and Past Illustrious Master of the Mid West Georgia District Convention of Royal & Select Masters. He served the Companions of Georgia of Royal Arch Masons as their Grand High Priest during the 2019 - 2020 Capitular year.

In Scottish Rite, Illustrious Brother Tate was a member of the Valley of Columbus, where he served as General Secretary.  He was coronated a 33 Degree, Inspector General Honorary.

May he rest in perpetual joy in that House not made with Hands, Eternal in the Heavens.

MASONIC LINKS:

GRAND LODGE OF GEORGIA

GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER ROYAL ARCH MASONS INTERNATIONAL

GENERAL GRAND COUNCIL CRYPTIC MASONS INTERNATIONAL

GRAND ENCAMPMENT KNIGHTS TEMPLAR USA

YORK RITE SOVEREIGN COLLEGE OF NORTH AMERICA

CONVENT GENERAL KNIGHT YORK CROSS OF HONOR