William J. Noble
Tribute & Message From The Family
William James Noble Sr. passed away quietly in his sleep on August 22, 2013. James was born March 4, 1928 to the union of Stephen and Estella Noble in Wewoka, Oklahoma. He was the 3rd oldest of five children to this marriage.
In 1946 James joined the Merchant Marines as a cook's helper - a career interrupted by the Korean Conflict when he was drafted in 1950 by the Army. His assignment was to guard the Hanford Nuclear Plant in the state of Washington. James returned to sailing the high seas in 1952 to begin a long and rewarding career in the engineering department where he took advantage of the classes, programs and engineering schools the Merchant Marines offered. His 46 years with the Merchant Marines saw him achieve the level of 1st Engineer, a title that brought great pride to James. After his retirement from sailing, James found employment with Laidlaw Transportation where, for 3 years, he drove kids to and from schools in the Portland Public School district.
In 1946 James met his bride, Bernice Scott at the Hubba Hubba Hut in Vanport, Oregon. Bernice likes to tell the story of how she was out with a girlfriend that night and he kept meddling with her. She told him she was married and he replied "where's your husband?" Bernice would move to different sides of the room and he'd move right with her. James & Bernice exchanged wedding vows December 30, 1951 and to that union one child was born, their son William James Noble, Jr. James and Bernice raised nephews Henry Scott & Nate McCoy and niece Carol (who was more like a daughter) along with their son Jimmy.
James was passionate about his family and tracing its roots. A gifted craftsman, he liked to fix cars, boats and just about everything in and around his home. He enjoyed traveling with his family, fishing with his wife and nephew, Anthony. Hon. Past GM William James Noble, Sr. entered the Prince Hall Jurisdiction in the late 1950's.
His accolades in Prince Hall Masonry are: Dedicated member, Acacia Lodge #6, Past Master of Acacia; Hon. Past Master of Grand Lodge Oregon, Idaho & Montana Inc.; Grand Lodge Treasurer; Potentate, Mina Temple 68 of Shriner's; and 32nd Degree - Willamette Consistory #23. Brother Noble also resided as Patron of Electa Chapter #5 for many years. Brother Noble will be missed by his Fraternal Brothers - Worldwide!
James was preceded in death by parents Stephen & Estella Noble and brother Everett Noble. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Bernice, son Jimmy, sisters Orene Rosemon & Frances Odom and brother Lloyd Noble. Grandchildren Dr. Stephen Leonard Noble (Bajik), William James "Jay" Noble, III (Latrece), Stephanie Jewel Bernice Hoeler (Keefe). Three sister-in-laws, Ethel Love, Shirley McCoy & Louise Noble two brother-in-laws, Sam Scott and Terry Scott. Eight great grandchildren along with numerous nephews, nieces and cousins along with a wide circle of friends all carry his memory in their hearts.
