James C. Abernathy was born in Pulaski, TN before moving to Nashville. Raised by his grandfather Otis O. Pryor, he is a graduate of North Nashville High School, class of 1973. Bro. Abernathy enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1975, and worked for the Department of Corrections in Tennessee before moving to California in 1989.

Bro. Abernathy’s Masonic journey began in 2008 when he joined Firma Lodge No. 27 in Vallejo, where he served as Worshipful Master in 2014. Continuing to build is Masonic resume, he became a member of the Golden State Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Rite of Adoption, State of California, joining Oriental Chapter No. 19 in Vallejo, where he served as Worthy Patron for five consecutive years, before transferring to Golden Star No. 90 in Suisun City.

Bro. Abernathy has served the East in the Holy Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templers, A.E.A.O.N.M.S., and the Frank Anderson Royal and Select Masters. He has also served Victoria Consistory No. 25 as Commander-in-Chief and was elevated to Grand Inspector General, culminating in his elevation to KYCH of the Pacific Prince Hall Priory No. 16, State of California and Jurisdiction.

Bro. Abernathy’s civic engagement includes membership in the Vallejo chapter of the NAACP, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, and his membership in the Iota Alpha Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

On July 19, 2025, Bro. Abernathy was elected and installed as the 52nd Grand Worthy Patron of the Golden State Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Rite of Adoption, State of California.