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.


THE NEW REVISED DIGNITY ACT: Get The Details Here
July 2025

Today, the MCAA announced its strong endorsement of The Dignity Act. This comprehensive, bipartisan bill secures our borders, reforms immigration, and strengthens the American economy without using taxpayer funds. The Dignity Act mandates complete opera

Masonry Equipment Safety: Meeting New OSHA Standards with Smart Solutions
July 2025

Masonry work, involving cutting, grinding, drilling, and laying stone, brick, or concrete blocks, presents numerous safety hazards—many of which stem from improper equipment use or poor jobsite practices. With evolving Occupational Safety and Health Admin

The STABILA Force Driven by Operations
July 2025

Leadership In today's competitive business landscape, maintaining an efficient, well-organized warehouse is essential for meeting customer demands and ensuring smooth operations. By implementing effective processes and best practices, businesses can achi

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 24 Recap: Gary Hensley, VP of Sales at Oldcastle Adams
July 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Gary Hensley joins Justin in Indianapolis to talk about his story within the masonry industry, how he got started, how he's seen it evolve, and where he sees it going. Why the Masonry Industry? Concrete and