James Edward Hubbard Jr.

James E. Hubbard Jr. was born in August 27, 1944 in Lynchburg, Virginia to James E. Sr. and Dora H. Hubbard. He was the third and last of three children. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Diamond Hill Baptist Church. He was educated in the Lynchburg Public Schools System graduating from Dunbar High School in June of 1962. He married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Louise Swann, on September 18, 1965. There were two children blessed to this union, a daughter Kim (1966) and a son Randy (1971). He completed a distinguished military career spanning twenty-eight years as a member of the United States Air Force. He retired on July 1, 1990 in the grade of Senior Master Sergeant (E-8). He entered the Air Force in June of 1962 upon graduation from high school and started basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas. He attended technical school at Keesler AFB, Mississippi where he was trained as an Airborne Warning and Control Systems Operator. He had subsequent assignments to Bedford AFS, Virginia, Melville AFS in Goose Bay, Labrador, McChord AFB, Washington, Udorn RTAFB, Thailand, McChord AFB, Washington, Diyabakir AS, Turkey, Luke AFB, Arizona, Langley AFB, Virginia, Osan AB, Korea and Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. His many awards and decorations include the 3% ACCS and Space Command Senior NCO of the Year 1984 along with NCO of the Quarter several times during his career. His Decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with V device and three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Combat Readiness Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Ribbon with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Campaign Medal with four stars, Short Tour Service Ribbon with 3 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Longevity Ribbon with one silver and one bronze oak leaf cluster, NCO Academy Graduate Ribbon with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Marksmanship Ribbon, Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Viet Nam Service Medal. He was recognized during his retirement ceremony for the many significant contributions made over his many years of service. His Masonic affiliations are as follows: He is a Master Mason and member of R.T. Jackson Military Lodge# 48, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma where he is a Past Master having served also as Junior Deacon, Junior Warden and Senior Warden and Worshipful Master; He is a Holy Royal Arch Mason and member of Cody H. Rhymes Chapter # 21, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, having served as Secretary, Scribe, King and Excellent High Priest; He is a member of Sandy Smiley Council # 14 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, He is a member of Midwest Commandery # 4, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, having served as Generalissimo and Eminent Commander; He is a member of Great Western Consistory # 34, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma having served as Illustrious Second and First Lieutenant Commander; He was formerly member of Alaraf Temple # 20 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma having served as Oriental Guide; He is a member of R. T. Jackson Military Chapter # 148 OES, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma and a member of Ruth A. Rhymes Court # 47 HOJ Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where he serves as Worthy Joshua. The following accomplishments highlight his distinguished Masonic travels: Elected as Grand Treasurer MBA, Grand Chapter Holy Royal Arch Masons (1989-1997); elevated to the Thirty-third Degree (1989); appointed Assistant Grand Recorder, Herman E. Duncan Grand Council and Commandery (1990-91); serves as Chairman of the Thirty-third Degree Nominating Committee for the Oklahoma Council of Deliberation; elected as the Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Reverend Joseph T. Thornton Most Excellent Prince Hall Grand Chapter Holy Royal Masons (1997-Present), appointed as Special District Deputy Grand Master to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge for the Jurisdiction of Oklahoma (1997-Present), appointed as Grand Master of the First Veil for the General Grand Conference of Grand Chapter’s, Holy Royal Arch Masons of the United States of America and the Bahamas Inc. (PHA)(1999-Present) and appointed to the position of Honorary Past Grand Master (Jurisdiction of Oklahoma) at the 2003 Grand Lodge Session by MWGM Deary Vaughn. MEGHP Hubbard , upon his retirement from active duty, worked at the Oklahoma City Veterans Hospital. He transferred to the United States Postal Service in June of 1990 and has worked there from that time to March 2005. His love of God, family and service to the Masonic Order is the primary ingredients that work together to fulfill an ideal life.