James Wesley Ingram

James “Wes” Wesley Ingram was born on July 14, 1954, to mother, Willie Bell Ingram and father, James W. Ingram in High Point, North Carolina. With his mother, Mrs. Willie B. Ingram, he was raised also by his grandmother Mrs. Hattie Whitaker Boulware; who along with his grandfather, Willie Boulware founded Williams Memorial C.M.E. Church in their home, which, has today, turned into an extremely viable and impressionable church in the community.

Although both parents have since passed, and even though “Wes” had no siblings, he continued to tread the waters that his family and life had put in front of him.

Wes is survived by his Wife of 35 years, Tamara Penn Ingram, who had so many great years together. He is also survived by his step-children, A. Larice Williams and L. Steven Williams, step grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.: cousins from the Ingram, Harris, Gregory, Covington, and Cuthbertson families.

Although born in High Point, North Carolina, “Wes” traveled around due to his educational pursuits, as well as his time in the Air Force. After his stint in the U.S. Air Force where he obtained the rank of Buck Sergeant, he met his current wife, Tamara, and moved to Columbus, Ohio.

Wes graduated from T. Wingate Andrews High School in High Point, North Carolina in 1972, and then attended Lane College, Eastern Michigan University, Shaw University, Hondross College. He pledged Phi Beta Sigma fraternity on 4/3/74 at Eastern Michigan. Around this time in 1993 he settled on becoming a successful entrepreneur, owning his own businesses. (CleanScene BioRecovery Services)


During his “steps” through life, “Wes” was blessed to have joined the P.B. Pegues Masonic Lodge #358 , PHA, in Jackson, Tennessee while he was in college.

It is in Columbus, Ohio where he set his sights on Masonry and became the Secretary of Samaritan Lodge #117. During his tenure, he helped solidify the financial position of Samaritan Lodge. Later, he was exalted to a Royal Arch Mason at John C. Logan Chapter #53 and there became the Most Excellent Secretary. He also became Asst. Grand Secretary for the Royal Arch Masons of Ohio. With a plan in place, “Wes” also joined L.D. Easton Consistory #21, and became Illustrious Secretary, as well as Herald Council of Royal and Select Masons and Knights Templar. In 2024, he became a 33rd degree Mason (Grand Inspector General) of the Ivory M. Buck, Jr. class, fulfilling a promise to his father.

“Wes” was instrumental in getting John C. Logan Chapter #53, non-profit status. He also started the Bombas socks donations yearly, founded the Chess Club at Hamilton Stem Academy and the school supplies drive, along with becoming secretary of the Prince Hall Community Development Corporation.

For those that had the fortune of knowing “Wes” you know that he will be sorely missed. His favorite bible verse was 1 Peter, 7 Verse: “ That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perish, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”