James Smith, Imperial Outer Guard
James Smith of Georgetown, Texas, is currently serving his first year as a member of the Boards of Directors for Shriners International and Shriners Hospitals for Children®. He was elected during the Shriners’ 2011 Imperial Session – held in Denver July 3-7. He is serving as Imperial Outer Guard, part of the 13-member body that helps govern the Shriners fraternity.
Smith is originally from Racine, Wis., and received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin. He would later go on to the Keller School of Management in Chicago to study for his MBA.
Smith was raised a Master Mason in Phillips Lodge #225 in Wisconsin, and is a member of Eau Claire Commandery #8, in Wisconsin. He became a member of Zor Shriners in Madison, Wis. After moving to Georgetown, Texas, Smith became a member of the San Gabriel Lodge #89, and joined Ben Hur Shriners in 2004.
In 2009, he was Potentate of Ben Hur Shriners. While he was Potentate, Smith’s temple received a Gold Membership Award for a net gain in membership. It was the first time Ben Hur Shriners had achieved gold status in 38 years.
In addition, Smith served on the Imperial Donor Relations committee from 2005-2011, and was President of Sun City Shriners. He has been a member of the Transporters, Provost Guard, Highlanders, Austin Court 35 and Royal Order of Jesters. In 2005, Smith was named an “Honorary Texan” by Governor Rick Perry.
Smith worked in the material handling business for more than 30 years, and was also part-owner of Smith’s Shamrock Oil Company in Phillips, Wis.
Smith and his wife Alice have been married for 39 years. They have a daughter, Abigail, a son, Jason, and five grandchildren. Smith’s hobbies include traveling, riding his Harley and fishing in Canada.