James Paul Green

James Paul Green (Jim) met his Savior, Jesus Christ, face-to-face on July 4, 2023, just 10 days before his 69th birthday. He was born July 14, 1954 to John and Bess (Steffen) Green in Albany, Oregon. He grew up outside of Dallas, Oregon, and attended school in Dallas, graduating from Dallas High School in 1972. Jim met the love of his life, Claudia Games, in 1973 at Faith Evangelical Free Church. Even though she initially resisted the idea of falling for Jim, the two were married at Gatewood Baptist Church in West Seattle (WA) June 14, 1975.

They settled in Salem (a compromise between moving to Dallas or Seattle). Jim worked for Safeway from 1975 until mid-1979 when he switched to commercial construction as a carpenter. He worked on projects ranging from Hewlett Packard and Intel clean rooms to the birthing center at Salem Hospital and the library at Willamette University. After retirement, he enjoyed more time golfing, fishing, and hunting.

Jim and Claudia had two daughters, Kathryn and Kimberly, and Jim loved being a dad to daughters. He supported his girls in their interests, whether sports or church related. One summer he made four trips across country helping his girls move.

Jim was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December, 2022. From the beginning he said he’d accepted Jesus as his Savior at the age of 6, God was in control of his life and that he was in God’s hands, and that’s the best place he could be. He saw his job as following the advice of the doctors treating him. He adopted the hymn “It Is Well with My Soul” as his song through his cancer journey.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and his brother Larry. He is survived by his wife, Claudia, his daughters Kathryn Green of Salem, OR and Kimberly (Evan) Calabrese of Chapel Hill, NC, twin granddaughters Cameron and Samantha Calabrese; “Oldest Adopted Daughter” Keri Keen of Silverton, OR; brothers John (Fran), Bob (Donna) and Tom (Cindy), all of Dallas, OR; sisters Becky Green and Peggy Green of Moscow, ID; sister-in-law DeAnn (Green) Kroeker of Salem, OR, as well as many much-loved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Tiffany and her staff at Oregon Oncology, Dr. Gerry and his staff at The Oregon Clinic, the nurses on 7th floor at the Franz Cancer Center, and the staff at Willamette Vital Health for the care given to Jim over the past seven months. We would also like to thank Jamie Noble and Josh Wetipo for providing help and support during Jim’s last days at home.

A celebration of Jim’s life is planned for August 19th, 10 am, at Morning Star Community Church, 4775 27th Ave SE, Salem. Jim was most comfortable in jeans or shorts, so please dress casually. The family suggests Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation or the missions fund at Morning Star Community Church if contributions in his memory are desired.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hed-fh.com for the Green family.