about our lodge namesake
Captain Jimmie Harris Hobaugh - Biography
Captain Jimmie Harris Hobaugh, a figure celebrated for his service, integrity, and commitment to both the U.S. Coast Guard and the community of Sault Ste. Marie, led a distinguished career and life that inspired many. Born in Noble, Oklahoma, Jimmie often downplayed his roots, describing himself as “just a red dirt farm boy.” Yet, his journey from these humble beginnings to an esteemed Coast Guard officer and respected Masonic leader speaks to the depth of his character and the unwavering determination that defined his life.
Jimmie's Coast Guard career began in the mid-1950s when he enlisted as a Seaman Recruit. Driven by a commitment to service and a natural leadership ability, he rapidly rose through the ranks to Chief Boatswain's Mate. In 1963, he was a member of the honor guard for President John F. Kennedy's funeral, an assignment that reflected the discipline and respect with which he approached his duties. In 1964, he graduated from Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Yorktown, Virginia, and embarked on a distinguished path, taking on challenging assignments and making an indelible mark at each post.
Throughout his career, Captain Hobaugh served at various Coast Guard installations across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Great Lakes. His notable service included acting as a drill instructor and even training the Coast Guard Drill Team at Cape May. Known for his firm but fair approach, he left a lasting impact on countless recruits and junior officers who admired his integrity and commitment to their development.
Captain Hobaugh is perhaps best remembered for his role as the commanding officer of the USCGC Woodrush (WLB-407), a buoy tender based in Duluth, Minnesota. In November 1975, during one of Lake Superior’s notorious November storms, Captain Hobaugh and his crew responded to the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. They braved the treacherous waters to search for survivors, and although the mission turned into a somber recovery operation, Captain Hobaugh’s leadership and courage were lauded. The Woodrush returned to survey the underwater wreckage, and Captain Hobaugh later shared his insights in various public forums, further solidifying his legacy as a dedicated Coast Guard officer.
After 37 years of service, Captain Hobaugh retired in 1991 but remained deeply connected to the Great Lakes region. He chose to settle in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, where he worked as the executive director of Le Sault de Ste. Marie Historic Sites, promoting the area’s rich heritage. He also became involved in numerous community organizations and was an active member of the Rotary Club, the Elks, and other civic groups.
Captain Hobaugh’s Masonic journey was equally remarkable. A committed and active member of Bethel Lodge #358 F. & A.M., he held the revered 33rd Degree, was a Past Potentate of Ahmed Temple in Marquette, and served in various roles, including treasurer. His Masonic affiliations extended to the York Rite, Scottish Rite, and Eastern Star, among others. His fellow Masons admired his dedication, and he became a mentor and friend to many within the fraternity, known for his fairness, integrity, and wise counsel.
In his personal life, Jimmie was known for his devotion to his family. He cherished his wife, Virginia, and took pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, sharing stories and encouraging each of them to pursue their dreams. He was also known for his unique gesture of gifting cards with “Desiderata” and “The Man in the Glass,” which symbolized his principles of self-reflection, integrity, and resilience.
Captain Jimmie Hobaugh’s life serves as an enduring example of dedication to service, leadership, and community. His contributions to the Coast Guard, Freemasonry, and the communities he served left a legacy that continues to inspire all who knew him.
Reflections on Captain Jimmie Hobaugh
“Captain Hobaugh once said to me, ‘Being a Coast Guardsman and being a Mason aren’t that different—you serve, you stand by your brothers, and you uphold a standard.’ That’s who he was, a man of unwavering loyalty and strength.”
— Richard Ur, fellow Coast Guard officer
“I first encountered Jimmie in 1964 when I started OCS at Yorktown. Besides trying to instill a sense of military bearing in the class, he also taught navigation with an unmatched depth of knowledge. Later, as his XO when he was Group Commander in Duluth, I saw firsthand how deeply he cared about those under his command. A great man, a great officer, and a truly noble human being.”
— Henry D. Bliley, former Coast Guard colleague
"As a Brother at Bethel Lodge, I often found myself sitting beside Jimmie during meetings. He had an uncanny way of making everyone feel seen, welcome, and respected. Whether you were a young Mason just starting out or someone with decades in the fraternity, he treated you with the same kindness and respect.”
— Kurt Echols, Bethel Lodge #358
"He had a way of pulling people together, not just as a commander but as a person. He seemed to sense who needed encouragement and who needed a reminder of their duty. His words left a mark, and his actions backed them up. I will never forget his calm leadership during some of the toughest missions."
— Jay Saunders, Coast Guard member
"In every way, he was a true leader. Even as a junior officer straight out of the Academy, I learned from him quickly—Jimmie Hobaugh was my first CO, and he set a standard that has stuck with me my whole career. Tough on his crew when he needed to be, he earned our respect and taught us to do things right. He was a mentor through and through."
— Daniel Cox, Coast Guard officer
“Captain Hobaugh was a great example of a Coast Guard officer, but also of a Masonic brother. His time in Bethel Lodge #358 was marked by a quiet generosity, kindness, and, above all, an unwavering commitment to Masonic values. He was a mentor to younger Masons, and he approached every role—from ritual work to Lodge finances—with integrity and seriousness.”
— Carter Robinson, Masonic Brother
“Jimmie was the CO during a Group inspection where he noted one of my crew members had mis-tied a line. Rather than making a spectacle, he gave me a quick heads-up to fix it. That was his style: fair, clear, and always pushing us to do better without demeaning anyone. Honored to have known this honorable man.”
— Jay Saunders, Coast Guard
"He made everyone feel welcome, even outside the Coast Guard. I once attended a Rotary Club meeting in Sault Ste. Marie where he shared his Coast Guard experiences. He had a way of drawing people in, making them feel like they were part of something greater."
— Fellow Rotarian, Sault Ste. Marie
“Hobaugh’s compassion as a Masonic brother shone through. He would say, ‘We all need to take the rough edges off’—and he lived that. His advice was priceless, and his empathy was unmistakable. He showed me the deeper meaning of our craft.”
— Masonic Brother, Bethel Lodge #358
“Captain Hobaugh was a great leader with an incredible sense of humor. Once, in Cape May, he would make the showers go cold if it suited the training schedule! He expected us to learn things the right way, but he balanced discipline with an unspoken encouragement.”
— Henry D. Bliley, Coast Guard classmate
“He taught us discipline, not just by his words but through example. When he led training at Cape May, you knew he was serious, but it was clear he cared about making each of us better. That foundation he laid for us at the academy stayed with me my whole career.”
— Tom Hirsch, former Coast Guard recruit
“In the Rotary Club meetings, he never tried to be the loudest voice in the room. Instead, he listened, then offered words that made sense of things. His wisdom and kindness seemed effortless, and he made everyone feel welcome, like we all belonged there.”
— Unnamed Rotary Club attendee
“As a Mason, Captain Hobaugh set an example of service and humility. I remember him sitting beside newer brothers at Bethel Lodge, guiding them through ceremonies with a quiet nod or word of encouragement. He was deeply respected for his wisdom, his humor, and his dedication to the craft.”
— Kurt Echols, Bethel Lodge #358
“I was proud to call him a friend and mentor. His character was unwavering, whether as a Coast Guard commander or as a fellow member of the Sault Shrine Club. He exemplified what it meant to be a Shriner—a dedication to community, service, and brotherhood.”
— Marc Cook, Sault Shrine Club member
“It’s hard to describe the effect he had on people. I met him briefly as a new officer, but the impact was lasting. He had a way of making you feel like you were part of something bigger, something that mattered.”
— Carter Robinson, Masonic Brother
“To him, a mistake was a chance to learn, not a reason to feel small. During a routine inspection, he pointed out an error in my work, but instead of dressing me down, he just showed me how to fix it. He was firm but fair, always.”
— Jay Saunders, Coast Guard colleague
“The man never pulled any punches but was as fair as they come. Once while underway during a Group inspection, he let me know one of my crew members made up a line incorrectly. Knowing that not only was he our group CO, but a former BMC, it was corrected on the spot and all was good. I am proud to have known this honorable man.”
— Jay Saunders
"Being a Coast Guardsman and a Mason aren’t that different—you serve, you stand by your brothers, and you uphold a standard. Captain Hobaugh embodied these values in everything he did."
— Richard Ur, fellow Coast Guard officer
"Captain Hobaugh was the quintessential Coast Guard officer and a Masonic brother whose example was unmatched. At Bethel Lodge #358, he quietly mentored younger Masons with the same commitment he showed his crew. Integrity, kindness, and dedication defined his time with us."
— Carter Robinson, Masonic Brother
"Jimmie had a gift for making people feel welcome and valued, whether it was in the Coast Guard or in Bethel Lodge. I often sat beside him in lodge meetings, where he would guide newer brothers through ceremonies with a gentle nod or quiet word. He treated everyone with the same respect, whether they had decades in the fraternity or were just starting out."
— Kurt Echols, Bethel Lodge #358
"In every way, he was a leader you respected deeply. Jimmie Hobaugh was my first commanding officer, straight out of the Academy, and he set a standard that’s stuck with me my entire career. He was tough on his crew when he needed to be, but he earned our respect and taught us to do things right. He was a mentor through and through."
— Daniel Cox, Coast Guard officer
"He had a way of pulling people together, not just as a commander but as a person. Jimmie sensed who needed encouragement and who needed a reminder of their duty. His words left a mark, and his actions backed them up. I’ll never forget his calm leadership during some of our toughest missions."
— Jay Saunders, Coast Guard member
"I saw him as a hero, not just because of what he did in service but because of how he did it. His connection to Masonic principles was evident in every action, and he remained as dedicated to his Lodge brothers as he was to his Coast Guard crew."
— Fellow Mason, Sault Ste. Marie
"The discipline he instilled was unshakeable. As a young recruit, I first encountered him in Cape May where he trained the Drill Team. He’d make the showers run cold if it suited the training, but he balanced his discipline with encouragement. Tough but fair—a model of integrity."
— Henry D. Bliley, Coast Guard classmate
"During the infamous Edmund Fitzgerald search, Jimmie steered us through some of Lake Superior’s most treacherous waters. His complete commitment to the mission and to his crew kept us steady when we needed it most. He was a captain you’d follow anywhere."
— Thomas M Durant, PBS journalist
"As his MAA on the Gentian and later as Petty Officer, I learned how to manage complex situations from Jimmie—from morale to maintaining ship standards—always prioritizing dignity and strength. Even as his career advanced, he stayed true to those core values."
— Ed Tilghman, former Coast Guard colleague
"Captain Hobaugh wasn’t one for empty praise, but he knew how to recognize hard work. After a grueling day on deck, he once pulled me aside and said, ‘You did good today.’ Coming from him, that meant everything."
— Jay Saunders, Coast Guard crew member
"To Jimmie, mistakes were learning moments. During a routine inspection, he pointed out an error in my work, but instead of dressing me down, he simply showed me how to fix it. He was always fair, firm, and constructive."
— Jay Saunders, Coast Guard colleague
"The ‘six Ps’—Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance—was Jimmie’s mantra. He taught us this with unwavering consistency, and it stuck with every one of us. His lessons were practical, but the respect he commanded was personal."
— Rene Zimmer, Coast Guard colleague
"Captain Hobaugh was a Shriner who truly exemplified dedication to community, service, and brotherhood. Whether at Sault Shrine Club meetings or in the lodge, he embodied the values we all aspire to."
— Marc Cook, Sault Shrine Club member
"He inspired his men even long after their time together. The lessons he imparted—about life, duty, and getting the details right—stuck with me. I’m grateful to have known him as both a CO and a friend."
— Richard Ur, Coast Guard classmate
"He made everyone feel welcome, even outside the Coast Guard. At a Rotary Club meeting in Sault Ste. Marie, he shared his Coast Guard experiences, and he had a way of drawing people in, making them feel part of something greater."
— Rotarian, Sault Ste. Marie
"Jimmie could handle the roughest seas, both in life and on Lake Superior. His resolve during the Fitzgerald search was unshakable. It wasn’t just skill; it was his absolute dedication to the mission and his men."
— Daniel Cox, junior officer on the Woodrush
"As a Mason, Captain Hobaugh set an example of humility and service. He would sit beside newer brothers at Bethel Lodge, guiding them through ceremonies with a quiet nod or word of encouragement. He was deeply respected for his wisdom, humor, and dedication to the craft."
— Kurt Echols, Bethel Lodge #358
"In the Rotary meetings, he never tried to be the loudest voice. Instead, he’d listen, then offer words that made sense of things. His wisdom and kindness seemed effortless, and he made everyone feel like they belonged there."
— Unnamed Rotary Club attendee
"Even as a Coast Guard officer, he carried a quiet humility that came through in his Masonic work. He would say, ‘We all need to take the rough edges off’—and he lived that lesson every day."
— Fellow Mason, Bethel Lodge #358
"Honored to say I knew him. Met him a couple of times when he was D9 ops, then he was briefly my Group Commander. Then I spent several years sitting with him at Sault Ste. Marie Masonic Lodge, Bethel #358. A great man!"
— Kurt Echols, fellow Mason and Coast Guard member