Ham And Vacala Among 2024 Masonry Hall Of Fame Inductees

Words: Justin Stengel

We're thrilled to announce two of this year's Masonry Hall Of Fame inductees. Former MCAA Chairman Larry Vacala and esteemed masonry instructor James T. Ham will be welcomed into the prestigious group during the 2024 MCAA Midyear Meeting in Park City, Utah.

James T. Ham is a distinguished figure in masonry education and industry. He began his education at Frink High School, graduating in 1959, and later earned an AAS degree in Industrial Management from Lenoir Community College, Kinston, NC, along with additional certifications. Starting his career in masonry, James worked for various companies, eventually becoming a foreman and later managing large construction projects.

He taught masonry at Pitt Community College (1973-1975) and Lenoir Community College (1975-1976) and later became a highly respected instructor at Farmville Central High School (1988-1990) and Kinston High School (1990-2002). Upon retiring, he returned to masonry contracting. James held several leadership roles within the National Masonry Instructors Association, including Secretary/Treasurer (1992-1998) and President (1999-2000), and remained an active lifetime member.

His accolades include AGC Certified Master Bricklayer/Stone Mason, NMIA Hall of Fame inductee (2007), and numerous certificates and awards recognizing his excellence in teaching, community service, and contributions to vocational education. Throughout his career, he ensured his students were well-prepared, offering job placements upon graduation. James's enduring legacy in masonry and education has left an indelible mark on the community of La Grange, NC, and beyond. His contributions have helped shape future generations of skilled masons and reflect his commitment to excellence and service.


Four Home Design Trends Driving Masonry Demand in 2026
July 2026

As design trends continue to evolve, one theme remains consistent throughout 2026: homeowners want spaces that feel intentional, comfortable and enduring. According to Westlake Royal Building Products’ TrendLine platform, today's most influential trends e

Sarah Lograsso
MAP Partner
Sponsored
Read More
The Modern Masonry Saw: Safety, Efficiency, and Smarter Cutting
July 2026

Masonry is a craft built on precision, strength, and durability. At the heart of every successful masonry project is one essential tool: the masonry saw. As technology evolves, so does the role of the saw on the jobsite. Today’s contractors are not just l

Bryant Figueroa
Technical Talks
Read More
Getting the Finish Right on Burnished CMU
July 2026

The wall is complete. The lines are crisp. The coursing is tight, and the burnished CMU delivers exactly the refined appearance the design team envisioned. After weeks of coordination and careful installation, the project is final

Technical Talks
Read More
Argo Community High School Performing Arts Center
July 2026

Argo Community High School is located in Summit, Illinois, just southwest of Chicago’s Midway Airport. In 2016, the Argo Community High School Board of Education and the school’s administration undertook the construction of a new performing

John Cicciarelli
Case Study
Read More
Interested in working with us? Learn about and join the Masonry Alliance Program →