Biographical Sketch

James Arthur Fields, Jr. was born on October 9, 1941 in what is called Rinakers Corner across the river from Shenandoah, on the Batman home place. He is the son of the late James Arthur Fields, Sr. (born in Russell County) and Mary Magdalene Batman (born in Page County) and has three siblings - Charles Virgil (brother), William Carson (brother) and Peggy Jean Fields Davis (sister). The family moved to Waynesdboro where Jim and his siblings attended elementary school. When he was in eighth grade the family moved to Albemarle County where he attend and graduated from Albemarle High School.

He joined the United States Marine Corps upon graduation from High School and received basic training at Paris Island, South Carolina., and advanced infantry training at Camp Geiger, North Carolina. After completing advanced infantry training, he received sea duty training at Sea School in Portsmouth, Virginia. After sea school training he was stationed aboard the USS Enterprise (CVAN 65) a nuclear carrier. While aboard the ship he went on two Mediterranean tours and one tour that, along with two other nuclear ships, circumnavigated the World. The tour was called Operation Sea Orbit as part of Nuclear Task Force One. The Enterprise crossed the Equator (zero latitude and zero longitude) four (4) times and the International Date Line once. While aboard the ship all crew members, who were not Shellbacks, received an initiation, from pollywog (Ex. EA) to Shellback. The number of times you cross the Equator and International Date determines what level of Shellback you obtain. Jim received the level of “Knight in the Order of the Golden Dragon”. After serving approximately two years aboard the ship, he was transferred to Camp Lejune North Carolina to complete his military duty, being discharged in 1966.

In 1962, he married Helen Duncan (born in Nelson County). They have two children, (James Steven and Paula Elizabeth) who have given five grandchildren. (Paige and Zachary Engleman and Hannah Fields, Jessica and Olivia Lasko).

In 1974, he graduated from Madison College, (now James Madison University) with a BS in Accounting.

He was active in the Waynesboro Jaycees and was recognized by receiving Jaycee of the month, Director of the month, Jaycee of the year and finally receiving the most honored recognition as the Keyman of the Year, 1977. He also received from the United States Jaycees the Spark Plug and the Spoke awards for his service to the community.

He worked for E.I. DuPont in Waynesboro and retired in 2002 after 27 years of service. During his service he was selected to go to Ireland DuPont Plant to train their employees on precision equipment. He served on the DuPont Credit Union as a Supervisory committeeman and twenty plus years on the Board of Directors as a volunteer; twelve of these years holding the position of Chairman of the Board . He was also a financial advisor for the Junior Achievement Program for a couple of years. He served as Co-chair of the United Way Campaign 1988. He also served fifteen plus years on the DuPont fire brigade as first responder, first aid crew and as a member of the hazardous materials response team.

He served as President of the 12-13 Year-Old Babe Ruth Baseball Little League.1981-82. The team won the State title that year and went to Florida to participate in regional games, the first time in thirty years.

His favorite past-time is being “Grandfather” to all their Grandchildren.

Lee Lodge #209 – Mother Lodge – Raised 1986

• Past Master – 1993
• Past District Deputy Grand Master – 2001
• Life Member

Staunton Lodge #13

• Past Master
• Life Member

Mason’s Hall Lodge 1785 A.F. & A.M.

• Charter Member of Mason’s Hall Lodge 1785 – Certificate #400

• Appointed Associate Grand Marshall by Most Worshipful William Talbott Ellison, Jr., Grand Master of Masons in Virginia 2011-12
• District Education Officer -19th District

• James Monroe Chapter #549
• Jack Jouett Camp – Heroes of ‘76
• Life Member

• Exalted Waynesboro Royal Arch Chapter #71
• Royal Arch Chapter #71 and Staunton Union #2 merged and is now Waynesboro Union #2
• Past High Priest
• Past District Deputy Grand High Priest
• Super Excellent Master- conferred by Ionic Council #19 Ashville, N.C.
• Life Member
• Secretary
• Honorary member Royal Arch Chapter N0. 44
• Virginia Research Royal Arch chapter N0. 1753

• Holder of the John Dove Metal

• Past Eminent Commander – Stevenson Commandery N0.8
• Past District Deputy Grand Commander
• Recorder
• Past Grand Commander 2005-06
• Holder of the “Knight Commander of the Temple Medal”
• Holder of the “Shalom Medal” Knights Templar Eye Foundation
• Life Member
• Member – Moonaw Commandery N0. 27
• Life Member

• Past Governor
• Received the “Order of the Purple Cross” from The York Rite Sovereign College of North America
• Life Menber

• Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests
• Life Member

• 32 Degree – Valley of Richmond
• Life Member