In Memory of My Dad, James Richard Eastman
The Eastman family has always been a Masonic family.
I was a Masonic baby even before I was born. My parents’ love story began at a DeMolay function. My mom was active in Job’s Daughters and was crowned Sweetheart, a distinction she proudly held (I still have the crown to prove it). Their shared involvement in Masonic youth organizations laid the foundation for a marriage, a family, and a lifetime of service.
Some of my earliest memories, from the time I was only two or three years old, center around the traditions of the Masonic community. Each Christmas season brought special gatherings filled with warmth, laughter, and friendship. There was always excitement when the Jolly Old Elf arrived with gifts for the children.
I can still picture myself in a frilly holiday dress, playing with the other children while the adults enjoyed one another’s company. At the end of the evening, each child received a treasured Lifesavers candy book. The simple gifts brought the greatest joy. After a wonderful evening of celebration, I would inevitably fall asleep in the car on the way home, comforted by a sense of belonging.
As I grew older, I realized how great a role my dad played in those magical Christmas memories. Year after year, he would put on the velvet Santa suit my mom lovingly made and travel wherever he was needed. Whether in nursing homes, hospitals, or community gatherings, he brought candy canes and happiness to children and adults alike. Helping others feel loved and remembered was simply part of who he was.
Over time, my involvement in the Masonic family grew as well. I was no longer just attending events. I helped set up tables and chairs, serve meals, and assist with spaghetti dinners celebrating the installation of officers each year. Those gatherings taught me the value of service, teamwork, and fellowship. I was honored to sing at many of these celebrations, including the Shrine Circus, sharing my gifts with a community that had become an extension of our family.
Some of our happiest family memories were made at the annual Masonic Family Picnic at Camp Dearborn. The day was filled with fishing, boating, games, and races. Families were drawn to the grill with the smell of juicy burgers and hot dogs while the children played from morning until the sun began to set. Everyone loved when my dad brought his old-fashioned homemade ice cream makers, which provided his favorite frozen sweet concoction.
One of the proudest moments of my life was when my dad was elected Worshipful Master of his Lodge. Our entire family shared in that joy and accomplishment. Our family made it a priority to support the many activities that filled the Masonic calendar. It was never simply an organization to us. It was a way of life centered on service, friendship, and shared values.
My dad’s journey through Masonry spanned his entire adult life. He also participated in Eastern Star and the Shriners, remaining active until declining health limited his involvement. The principles and relationships he found through those organizations enriched his life immeasurably.
My dad was gifted with many leadership abilities, but what stood out most was his remarkable ability to connect with people. He possessed boundless energy, unwavering commitment, and a genuine love for others. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel valued. Whether speaking with a new member, a longtime brother, or someone in need, he treated everyone with dignity and respect.
Kindness and hospitality came naturally to him. Helping others was not something he occasionally did. It was simply who he was. The Masonic family was always among his highest priorities, and he willingly gave his time, talents, and energy whenever needed.
He was an exceptional steward of the Lodge’s finances, approaching every responsibility with integrity, wisdom, and accountability. Yet even more important than the numbers were the people. He saw beyond titles and differences to the individuals striving to become better versions of themselves and to serve their fellow human beings.
One of his most meaningful contributions came later in life when declining membership required difficult decisions about the Lodge’s future. When the time came to sell the property and merge with another Lodge, my dad worked tirelessly to ensure the process was handled responsibly and that members received the greatest possible value. He understood he was helping preserve not simply a building, but a legacy.
Through Freemasonry, my dad found opportunities for leadership, service, and brotherhood. He believed in building relationships, strengthening communities, and extending compassion wherever it was needed. He understood that the true measure of a life is found not in personal achievements, but in the lives touched along the way.
The friendships he formed through Masonry lasted a lifetime. He was especially close to Bruce, Clayton, and Harvey. Along with their wives, these dear friends became extended family. For more than fifty years, they celebrated graduations, weddings, holidays, and life’s milestones alongside us and continue to remain a significant part of our lives. Their love and loyalty are a powerful testament to the lifelong bonds forged through Masonry.
When I reflect on my dad’s life, I think about far more than the offices he held or the honors he received. I remember his laughter, enthusiasm, willingness to serve, and ability to bring people together. I remember a man who led by example, gave generously of himself, and left every organization and every person better than he found them.
His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the values he embodied, and the countless lives he influenced. We miss him deeply but remain profoundly grateful for the years we shared with him and for the example he left behind.
The Masons were there at the beginning of his journey, helping shape the values that guided his life. They were there throughout the years, offering friendship and fellowship. And they were there at the end, surrounding our family with comfort, support, and love during our time of grief. Most importantly, they were there every step of the way as family.
My dad was hardworking, committed, generous, and humble. Yet he was most proud of his wife and children, his Christian faith, and the family he found through this incredible fraternal organization.
For that example, for those memories, and for the love he so freely gave, we will be forever grateful.
Dad, your work here is done, but your influence continues in all of us whose lives you touched. May your memory remain a blessing and an inspiration for generations to come.
With love, pride, and gratitude,
Your Daughter,
Jenny (Reverend, Dr. Jennifer L. Eastman Hinkle)