JAMES E. “GENE” BELK (w∴m∴ 1966-1967)
(deceased)

James Eugene Belk, Jr. was born on September 30, 1924 in Houston, Texas. He attended the public school system of the city, graduating from Reagan High School in 1941. He attended the University of Houston until 1942, when he was drafted into the armed forces of the United States. He served in the submarine service of the U.S. Navy as a radioman, and saw action in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. When he was discharged in 1953, he had attained the rank of Chief Radioman.

After his discharge, he worked for several different companies, including the Fidelity Union Life Insurance Company, the Lott Marketing Company, and his own food brokerage firm. He was later employed with Sessions and Associates.

He was married, his wife Frances having passed away in 1995, and had one child.

Brother Belk received the degrees in Freemasonry from Jacques DeMolay Lodge No. 1390. He was initiated as an Entered Apprentice Mason on July 7, 1962; passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on September 15, 1962; and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on November 15, 1962. He served as Worshipful Master during the 1966-1967 masonic year, and can claim the distinction of being the first Master Mason raised in Jacques DeMolay Lodge to serve at its Master. He is also a member of Anson Jones Lodge No. 1313. In 1972, he served as the District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District 30-E, and was the Grand Junior Steward for the Grand Lodge of Texas in 1989.

Brother Belk was a member of the Chapter, Council and Commandery of the York Rite. From 1979-1980, he presided over Sam Houston Council No. 403 as its Thrice Illustrious Master; from 1980-1981 he served as High Priest of Houston Chapter No. 488, and from 1981-1982 he was the Eminent Commander of Houston Commandery No. 95.

Brother Belk was a member of Bethlehem Chapter No. 728, Order of the Eastern Star, for which he twice served as Worthy Patron. From 1982-1983, he served the Grand Chapter of Texas as its Grand Patron.

Brother Belk was also a member of the Shrine.

Brother Belk was a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, having received the degrees from the Houston bodies in October and November 1963. For several years he was the degree master for the Eighth Degree. For his service and devotion to the Rite, he was invested with the rank and decoration of a Knight Commander of the Court of Honour in 1973.

Brother Belk passed away on April 29, 2001 at the age of seventy-six. He was laid to rest in Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.