Jeffrey A. White was born in Castro Valley, California. As a kid, Jeff’s family moved around a lot. Even though they moved often, he found stability and discipline in swimming. He spent many hours practicing in the pools and learning from his coaches that each of us can always give a little bit more. Swim teams allowed him to make friends quickly as the family moved around.
After high school in Eureka, California, Jeff worked in the oil exploration industry traveling throughout the western United States. When his father passed away, he returned to Eureka to be closer to his family.
Back in Eureka, he began work at a young man’s job – pulling green chain at a lumber mill. He worked his way up to becoming a lumber grader and later a sawyer. Seeing limited opportunities to advance further, he accepted an outside sales position with the copier company, where he has remained employed for 37 years. Jeff has worked in all parts of the copier industry, from sales to service to management. He is now the Director of Operations and is excited about the new technology that continues to change today’s business environment.
Jeff’s involvement in Freemasonry is significant. He became a Master Mason at Semper Virens Lodge No. 552 on October 27, 1992, and has held many leadership roles since then. He was elected Worshipful Master of Northern Light Lodge No. 190 in 1997 and Six Rivers Lodge No. 106 in 2003, 2008, 2014, and 2018. He has also served four terms each as Junior and Senior Warden. During the last 32 years, there have only been a few years where he did not hold an office in the lodge. Additionally, he was Associate Bethel Guardian of Eureka Bethel No. 86 of Job’s Daughters International. He is now serving his third term as Worthy Patron of Arcata Chapter No. 207 Order of the Eastern Star. In 2017, he received the Hiram Award from Six Rivers Lodge for his outstanding contributions.
Jeff’s Masonic involvement goes beyond the Blue Lodge. He is a member of Pacific Council No. 37 Cryptic Masons, Humboldt Chapter No. 52 Royal Arch Masons, Eureka Commandery No. 35 Knights Templar, Sacramento Valley College No. 159 York Rite Sovereign College, and Golden Redwood Priory No. 82 Knights of the York Cross of Honor. His membership and involvement in these organizations continue to reinforce the lessons and principles he tries to live each day.
On a personal note, Jeff and his partner, Lisa McCombs, have raised three children together. Jeff has a son, Matt White, and two stepchildren, John and Morgan Brown. He and Lisa are also proud grandparents to two granddaughters. Jeff enjoys trap shooting, fishing on the rivers and ocean along the North Coast, and playing golf. He is enjoying watching his youngest granddaughter’s first year playing Little League.
Jeff’s life is about dedication, service, and community. His contributions to the Masonic fraternity and his professional achievements show that he is committed to making a positive impact in everything he does. His recent installation as the Most Illustrious Grand Master of Cryptic Masons of California is an honor he will cherish forever. One of his themes for the year is embracing change. He hopes to influence the future changes in Cryptic Masonry in California in a positive and productive manner.
Jeff and Lisa look forward to traveling the state, visiting companions, sisters, and brothers, and cherishing the friendships they have built.