James A. Iles, II, born on December 18, 1967, to James A. and Christine C. Iles, has built a life defined by service, leadership, and dedication to both family and community. From his earliest days as a Scout to his ongoing involvement in civic and fraternal organizations, James has consistently demonstrated a commitment to living with integrity and purpose.
Early Life, Education, and Service
James earned the rank of Eagle Scout in December 1982, an achievement that marked the beginning of a lifelong connection to Scouting. After graduating from Hammond High School in 1986, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served with distinction as a combat veteran during Desert Storm from 1990 to 1994. His years in uniform instilled in him discipline, leadership, and a deep sense of duty.
Following his military service, James pursued higher education, graduating from Governor’s State University in 2000 with a degree in Business and Technology. His professional career has centered on the steel industry, and since 2011 he has served as Senior Category Buyer at Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC. In his personal life, James married his wife, Carol, in 2016. Together they raise four children — Madison, Mason, Makyah, and Carter.
James continues to share his love of Scouting as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 963 in Valparaiso, working alongside his son and instilling in the next generation the same values that shaped his youth. Outside of work and community service, he enjoys traveling, attending sporting events, and playing golf.
Leadership in Masonry
James is deeply committed to the Masonic fraternity, where he has taken on numerous leadership roles across multiple branches of Freemasonry. A life member of Porter Lodge No. 137, he advanced through the degrees and was elected to serve as Master in 2014, later earning the distinction of Past Master. In addition, he was a founding member of Crowned Martyrs Lodge No. 771 in 2017 and went on to serve as its Master in 2018, marking the rare accomplishment of presiding as Past Master of two lodges. Jim is also a recipient of the prestigious Order of Service to Masonry, one of the highest honors the Grand Lodge can bestow upon a member. In the Scottish Rite, James has been equally active. A life member of the South Bend Valley, he served as Thrice Potent Master of the Lodge of Perfection, a high honor that recognizes his leadership and dedication within this historic body.
His influence also extends to the Shriners, where he is a life member of Orak Shrine. In 2024, James was elected Potentate, the highest office within the Shrine, reflecting both the esteem of his peers and his tireless commitment to the fraternity’s charitable mission.
Honors and Exclusive Orders
Throughout his Masonic journey, James has been invited into several prestigious and highly selective orders that recognize exceptional service and character. He is a member of the Red Cross of Constantine, the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, and the Indiana College of Rosicrucians — all of which are invitational orders reserved for distinguished Masons who exemplify the highest ideals of the craft.
In addition to these honors, James has also been active in the York Rite, York Rite College, Allied Masonic Degrees, Knight Masons, and numerous affiliated organizations. He has received distinctions such as the Knight York Cross of Honor, Knight Commander of the Temple and the Order of the Purple Cross, further testifying to his dedication and impact.
A Life of Service
From his early years as an Eagle Scout and combat veteran to his professional career, family life, and extensive Masonic involvement, James A. Iles, II has exemplified leadership, service, and devotion to community. His accomplishments — whether mentoring youth in Scouting, guiding his brothers in Masonry, or serving in positions of high trust and honor — stand as a testament to a life well-lived in the service of others.
