Bro. Jim McCarthy R.O.H. Provincial Grand Primo, 2002 Knight President, 2008 R.O.H. Assembly President 2010

Bro. Jim was initiated into the Sir William Oddy Lodge in Blackburn Province on 21st December 1964. His work as a bus and coach driver took him all over the country and although it often prevented him from attending his mother lodge he visited Lodges wherever and whenever he could. Sadly his Mother Lodge closed and Bro. Jim took a break from Buffing for a while.

In 1993, having retired from driving through ill health, he was able to return to the Buffs and joined the Alma Lodge, and in 1997 joined Shakespeare Lodge, both then part of the Blackburn Province.

In 1997 he was 'persuaded' to sit Examining Council and passed. He was then raised to the Second Degree on 15th May 1997 in a splendid triple ceremony with his two sons, Bro. Chris and Bro. Barry, and never was seen a prouder Dad. On 30th November 2000 the triple act was performed again as Bro Jim and his sons were raised to the Third degree.

In 2007 he and son Barry were raised to the Fourth degree.

Both Alma and Shakespear Lodges transfered to the Chorley Province in 1997 and Bro. Jim became Lodge delegate to PGL. He has since served in a number of offices in PGL until being elected to Provincial Grand Primo in 2002.

Bro. Jim is a big man with a big heart who lives for the Buffs. The fellowship he found while travelling, his pleasure at seeing the effect we can have on someone's life and the help we give to each other and to our families have all contributed to his love of the Order.