My brother Jim was the eldest of the five of us. Next came our sister Barbara, then Paul who is there today representing all of us, Kevin and me. I am the youngest by nine years.  In a funny way my perspective comes from a distance: A distance which made Jim a bit larger than life, kind of mysterious and definitely charming, always charming.
 
Jim was born just outside Atlanta, Georgia while our father was at Georgia Tech. Being the first he endured all the moves made by our parents as they pitched up in places as varied as Ridgeway, Pennsylvania, New York, Huntington, New York, New Orleans, Louisiana, Houston, Texas, Bristol, Virginia, Summit, New Jersey and finally back to New York City.  
 
Our father was a chemical engineer working for Shell Oil and in those days you were transferred quite regularly.  As a result of our moves we â€“ the kids that is â€“ learned to watch out for each other.  We learned early on what it meant to be the new kids.  We each acquired the skills of meeting people and getting along. But no matter where we moved we always knew there were four people we could count on to be at our side and watch our backs: a valuable lesson and one which Jim would later incorporate in his own family. Through all our moves and machinations our parents used to remind us that there were only two things of import that they could ever give us â€“ a good education and a family.  The rest was up to us.  
 
Now that probably makes them sound laid back and easy going. Nothing could be further from the truth.  Our parents instilled in us a very strong sense of right and wrong.  We knew, without a doubt, when we crossed a line and were out of order.  Perhaps that's why we enjoyed crossing the line so much.  But those stories are for another time.
 
From my perspective, Jim became larger than life when I was about 10 years old. That's when my girlfriends would come over and stop dead in their tracks when Jim would walk in the roomâ€¦he was 19 after all and a god as far as they were concerned. With his warm blue grey eyes and his long wavy brown hair he made my pals weak in the knees. Seriously, I know Kim, Erin and Jason probably find that a pretty amusing picture.  But it was true.  Jim was off at college in a world far removed from me. His periodic appearances were even more exciting because he would bring tales of college life, new friends and adventure.  For a kid who grew up basically in the south, Fairfield Connecticut was a bit of a culture shock.  In fact, it was so much of one that he transferred to Christian Brothers College in Memphis for his final years.  
 
Around that time, the most significant event in Jim's life took place. And interestingly how it happened has two different versions to it.  As my mom tells it, she was working at Massingill Company in Bristol, Virginia when she recognized Dr. Christianson from church. He stood out because he had a family larger than our own.  We filled half of a pew and the Christiansons took up a full one. Right smack in the middle of their crew sat a lovely, petit, redheaded girl with too many freckles to count, beautiful pool blue eyes and a winning smile.  My mom asked Dr. Christianson who that girl was then armed with her name told Jimâ€¦ I mean suggested to Jim that he call her. The other version is Jim saw a hot redhead at church and called her immediately. In reality, both versions are true.  But the most important truth is that when my brother Jim met Karen it was the luckiest day of his life.  He knew it at the time and he knew it was still true 42 years later. 
 
After a few years of courtship, Jim and Karen married and not too long after had Kim, Jason and Erin.  As parents both Jim and Karen took the maxims that our parents had expounded on and taught them to their children and lived them.  Jim's children know that he loved nothing more than the sight, scents and sounds of each of them. He counted Lissa, Emmi, Teagan and Lathan as bonuses in an already bountiful life.  
 
He loved and loves each of you dearly: Kim with her flare for the dramatic and her unshakable support of the family; Jason such an honorable man who keeps too much inside and would go to the ends of the earth for his family and Erin who Jim could always count on to make him laugh and keep him sane: you each, in your own inimitable way, have taken a vital part of Jim and made it uniquely your own. 
 
I also know that Jim had his favorites among your friends.  Those five or so kids who Kim, Jason and Erin grew up with who Jim looked out for a little bit more than the others. I don't know them by name.  But they know who they are because Jim made sure to make each feel special and singled out for an extra dollop of care, concern and attention.  You were also his kids.  And my brother Paul, who besides Karen I think Jim regarded as his other best friend.  Paul would call Jim almost every week to check in, give him a hard time, ask how things were going and catch up. He looked forward to those calls and Paul's sudden appearances â€“ even when Karen thought the strange car outside looked dubious.  It was just Paul â€“ always welcome and ready to enjoy Jim's company which invariably included a heavy dose of irreverence because between the two of them no subject was off limits no topic safe.
 
Jim was always irreverent about the things that you should be irreverent about and he cared deeply about the things that really matter.  What other father tells his kids â€œDrive fast and keep your eyes closed.â€ Knowing full well that an ordinary warning of â€œdrive safelyâ€ wouldn't be nearly as memorable when it mattered most.  And what other person in their right mind would say, â€œHey when I'm done here just carry me out to the middle of a field and dump me there.â€  His irreverence was one of the things I included in his larger than life perspective and it was a mystery to me. I always wondered how he managed to get away with it when our parents were so strict.  That irreverence never failed to charm me, because he challenged people to think a little differently.  And I liked that. 
 
I saw Jim go from being a high school student to a college student and fall in love with Karen. I watched Jim become a father long before I became a mother. I was there when our father died quite unexpectedly.  I watched him stumble and fall. Then looked on and marveled as I witnessed Karen's unstinting love support him and lift him up. Never once waffling or hesitating in her devotion.  I was amazed by the stalwart strength of their shared love and values of family first and foremost as it buoyed them and kept them strong in some stormy times and comforted them during the good times.   I never once thought that I would have to say good bye to him so soon.  It never dawned on me.  But here we are.
 
At times like these we try to make sense of events that don't make sense.  We try to put into context a person's life and give it meaning.  We examine and illuminate our own ideas of mortality and the possibility of immortality. We shine a relentless light on all aspects of our humanity. We question whether we have led a successful life and what that looks like, what that means. And this is where my perspective as Jim's youngest sibling comes into play.  
 
You see I have always looked up to my brother Jim.  I have always loved him for his jaunty irreverence, his genuine decency, his work ethic, his boundless love and his appreciation for those things that really matter. He showed me and all of us that you really can find your one true love and you can keep that love alive to the very end and then some. 
 
I don't know if there is a life hereafter. And if I were true to Jim's memory I would inject an unprintable comment on his behalf. Instead I'll just leave that to your own imaginations.  Because you know Jim would have had a comment.
 
Anyway, if there is such a thing as immortality it is this -- that we carry within each of us a part of Jim. The part he gave so freely and so effortlessly his humor, decency and love and we will carry it with us all the days of our lives. And that, my dear friends, is the truest sign of a life well lived.

I don't know where to begin to express my sentiments for Jim. 
He was a prime example of a truly remarkable man! He was a wonderful family man, and felt like a "brother" to Bob and me. Not only did he have the strong qualities of a man, but the soft ones as well. I remember all the fun family events we shared. We especially loved one particular 4th of July and the wild fireworks show he created for all of us! We cherished his love of life- and are are so honored to be have been a part of it! 
Thanks for the memories, Jim.   
We love you, 
Pat, Bob and all the Pfeiffers

In regards to moments that change my life, I have never been good at expressing exactly how I feel.  With that said, I have never been in a place in my life where I feel alone without you here with us. From the time you were the best man in my wedding to when my daughter was born, I was always at a lost for just the right words.  What I do remember is that you were always there for me no matter the situation, and your quiet demeanour was all I needed to know exactly what you were thinking and how you felt. I promise to be the man you let me grow to be -- by watching you live your life.  I think of you everyday and want you to know, that if I can become half the man you were, then I can consider my life fulfilled.  Wherever I go, those memories keep me near to you and give me strength. DAD -- I love you with all of my heart and miss you more everyday.

I met the Greene family in 1995 and I am honored to still have them in my life. When I think back and memories of Jim I remember how his eyes seemed to sparkle when he smiled! I see that same sparkle in the eyes of his 3 amazing children. Jim you will forever be missed but your memory will forever remain with your family you are the true definition of what a husband, father & grandfather should be! Love Always, Ginny Moss Dill

I have many fond memories of Jim. Most clear however, is my memory of when Jim tossed me into a swimming pool with  my clothes on. The dunking occurred on the weekend of Karen and Jim's wedding. Jim apparently thought it would be funny to suprise me at  the hotel pool by throwing me in!! It was funny. I smile when I think of it- every time!! 
Thank you all for sharing Jim with me!
Love
 Lisa

JIM AND KAREN WERE THE MODERN GWENIVERE AND LANCELOT. SHE WAS THE PETITE PRINCESS AND HE WAS THE KNIGHT. THEIR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER WAS OBVIOUS! HE LOVED HIS CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN AND WAS PROUD OF THEM ALL. JIM WAS A JOKER AND A TEASER. HE MADE YOU LAUGH. BUT HE WAS ALSO SENSITIVE AND CARED FOR EVERYONE ELSE AND THEIR PROBLEMS. HE WAS EASY TO TALK TO AND WASN'T AFRAID TO SHOW AFFECTION.HE WAS A HUGGER! IT WAS A PLEASURE FOR THE FAMIILY TO STOP HERE ON THEIR WAY TO MICHIGAN OVER THE YEARS. KAREN AND I WOULD GO SHOPPING AND HE WOULD KEEP THE KIDS. NO PROBLEM! HE JUST WANTED KAREN AND I TO HAVE A GOOD TIME. I USED TO TEASE HIM ABOUT LOOKING SO CUTE IN HIS FED-EX SHORTS! HE WAS SUCH A HANDSOME MAN!
WE LOVED JIM! WE WILL MISS HIM! WE WILL TREASURE THE MEMORIES WE HAVE OF OUR TIMES TOGETHER!

LOVE,
DENISE AND BILL CHRISTENSON

Well, where do I start about Jim. We all always had so much fun with Karen and Jim; before they were married and after. As Jean said, he sure was able to put up with us "little kids" hanging around him. Our family drove to Tennessee by motorhome for Karen's and Jim's wedding. Jim had alot of fun with us at the hotel pool. We all thought Karen and Jim were the most pefect couple. He always adored Karen. 

When I was in college, I visited the Greene family during a Spring Break. Karen was pregnant with Erin.  Jim and I had a great time while I visited. I would laugh so hard that my stomach hurt. At a family wedding, Jim helped me feel comfortable dancing. 

When my firtborn child was 3 months old, we went to the Greene's for Thanksgiving. I spent a lot of time talking to Jim at night when I was up with my baby. I visited them again after my second child was born, this time with my parents and 19-month old son. Jim and I spent late nights talking again when I was up with this baby. He usually made me laugh so hard that I thought we would wake everyone else up. 

My husband, children, and I had a wonderful time at Jason's wedding -- Jim was as fun as always. I am sorry we did not make it to Kim's wedding - I'm sure Jim was on cloud 9. He was always so proud of his children (and later, his grandchildren). My daughter, Elizabeth, and I visited the Greene's in the summer of 2010 - Jim was as fun and funny as usual. I feel like Jim and I had a close connection and I will cherish that forever. Thank you, Jim, for being a part of all of our lives. 

Love you and miss you.

How many great things could I say about my loving and funny uncle.  If you needed to smile and laugh Jim was the guy to go see.  He always had a wonderful fun loving attitude. I remeber specifically at Jason's wedding Jim getting on the dance floor and dancing and having a good time.  That was the kind of man he was and still is.  He was a joy to be around and will be greatly missed.  I am sure he is smiling down on his family and telling them to keep pushing ahead.  

We love you Jim!!

I will always remember Jim telling stories about when he would come to our house to see my sister Karen before they were married.  I am amazed how tolerant he was of all us 'little kids' that were hanging around all the time.  Jim truly was a brother and will always be a part of our family. His love for Karen and Kim, Jason, and Erin was always evident and I am sure will always be treasured. Thank you Jim for being a part of my family and letting me a part of your famliy.

When thinking of my Uncle Jim, the same memory always comes to mind. Though our families did not live as close to each other as we would have liked, we would get together in Michigan for my grandparent's anniversary celebration/family reunion every few years. 

It was during the heat of summer, and I was 19 years old and 8 months pregnant with my first child. Being pregnant, and hot, I had my cravings. This particular pregnancy ~ Blue Raspberry Slurpies from 7-11. Unfortunately, there was no 7-11 anywhere in the vicinity of my grandparents home. Needless to say, I was going into withdrawal. 

We were in a small town, smaller than most of us were used to, and all of us cousins needed some entertainment. We decided to head to the local outlet mall, and Jim decided to head out with us. 

We arrive at the mall, we all split up, and, though I was missing my 7-11 Blue Raspberry Slurpie, I had come to terms with the fact that there was no 7-11. I did my best to try and forget about it. We shop for a few hours, and knowing we have to head back, we all meet up in the parking lot. All of us except for Uncle Jim. We wait for about 10 minutes, and here he comes, blue drink in hand. He hands me the drink and says "I know it's no Slurpie, but it's blue, it's frozen, and it's the closest thing I could find." 

My Uncle Jim spent his day searching for a Blue Raspberry Slurpie to make his pregnant niece happy. I will never, ever forget that. He made me feel so special and brought a smile to my face.

I Love You Uncle Jim!

Jim always had a smile. He loved his family and was a great husband and father. I will always remember him  at Jason's wedding. He was laughing and enjoyed being with all of their guests.  I will always remember the smiles and enjoyment at my daughters wedding.  He will greatly missed.

Papa Greene or Grandpa Jim as I like to call him was a very unique man that if you ever got the chance to meet him and talk to him, you could not help but love him. Both Papa and Momma Greene are amazing parents, people and examples that we should all live by. They accepted you as you were inside your heart and never judged you like the world many times does over and over. They always opened their hearts and homes to us friends of the Greene children and you actually felt at home when you visited. Papa Jim would always tease me and hug me when I could visit. I felt like he saw me for me and I loved his sense of humor. No matter what was going on in your life, he always made you feel like it was going to be ok. The love that he and Momma Greene shared is a gift from heaven. You could see the love and admiration in their eyes and how they treat others. They have 3 amazing kids and I swear I learned what a real family was about when I got to see into their hearts and lifestyle. For many of us we longed to be apart of that family just for alittle while. Kim has been my best friend since high school and every day I loved her parents from that moment. Papa Jim you are so missed every day as the world has lost an angel here on earth but heaven gained one instead. You will always live in our hearts, memories and please know that we are all better people for knowing you and Mama Greene. May we all give back something to this world like you have... xoxoxo

Jim was such an amazing funny person. He was so dedicated to his kids and grandchildren. I remember talking to him and telling him how much Teagan looked and acted like him. His only response was, "Oh gosh I hope not".Haha, but its true and I think his spirit will live on.
I will remember him sitting on the front porch, and the great hugs he gave when I came over. He was the closest thing to a father for me, and I will always have a special place for him in my heart. 

Love you forever and always Jim!

Papa Greene was such an amazing man and he will truly be missed. I will always remember him in his FedEx uniform and laughing or making jokes. I consider myself lucky to say that I knew Jim.

As the days go on I hope that we are all reminded of the loving, kind, and selfless things that Papa Greene did for his family. While his flesh may be gone from this earth, his spirit will live on forever in all of our hearts.

Not only will I remember Jim as my brother but as my best friend. I will miss them both very dearly.
Paul Greene

I was in elementary school when my sister Karen married Jim. We didn't live near Karen and Jim, but I remember always looking forward to Thanksgiving because my wonderful sister Karen and her hilarious husband Jim would come to visit.  The younger siblings in our family all loved "hanging out" with Jim and the attention he would give to us. Yes, he loved to tease us and his humor brought such joy to our home. As I became an adult, it was obvious to me how much Jim loved Karen, Kim, Jason and Erin.  It always made me feel good to know how much they truly loved each other and enjoyed being together. Such close families are hard to find. We will all miss Jim, but we need to remember the laughter he brought to his family, friends, coworkers and even complete strangers.  Jim was a remarkable person who has definitely left a positive mark on our world. I feel blessed to have been part of his life.

All the puzzle pieces fit perfectly together in our family. Not many families can say that. Rarely, can you say your dad was not just your dad, but a great friend. That's what he was to the three of us. He taught us many things and made us laugh all the time. I can only hope I will have a husband that's as wonderful to me as my dad was to my mother & father to my children like my dad was to the three of us. I admired him so much for his intelligence, caring heart and love of family. My heart has been broken by his sudden death, but I know God just needed another wonderful angel in heaven. The puzzle pieces are still together - holding strong - because we know your piece is still there glowing a bright light - protecting and loving us as you always have. I miss you everyday dad!

Jim was my Fed Ex guy and we will miss seeing him. He always asked how we were doing and loved my dogs, he even named one of my dogs smiley cause he smiles all the time. He was a great guy. There are not many people that work for companies these days that stop and take a minute to talk but Jim did. Our prayers are with your whole family. Love, The Johnson's (Susan's Photography) Hendersonville, Tn.

My thoughts and prayers go to every member of your family. You will be greatly missed!

Life is so different now. I miss talking to you everyday. My heart has truly been broken. I know we have gained an amazing angel but I selfishly wish you were still here with us. The boys miss their grandpa and I miss my daddy. I'll never forget you and we'll always love you.

To the Green Family, 
I am truly sorry for your loss. I know that no words, cards or flowers can replace your loss. I do pray that God will easy your hearts daily. 
Mr. Green will be missed, not only at work but in my heart. He was always kind & friendly to me, my heart is truly broken.
May God be with you all & may he always bless each of you. 
Sequonda Brown

Jim was my bud.  He would always come by my office and just talk about the day or show me pictures of his grand babies. He was so proud of his kids and grand kids. He could always make me laugh. He always made my day better.  My deepest sympathy goes out to your family. He was a very special person. I will miss him everyday. I was so lucky to have him as my friend.

He could always make you smile.  Heaven just became a little better place.  My prayers are will you in your time of loss.

I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE FUN WE HAD AT FEDEX.  JIM WOULD ALWAYS MAKE ME SMILE BY DOING SOMETHING SILLY.  HE WILL TRUELY BE MISSED!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

Jim was like a second father to my youngest daughter, Suzanne.  I saw him at many family get-togethers, i.e. Kim's bridal shower, Teagan's birthday parties, baptisims, etc.  He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend!!  We will all miss him very much!

Pat Crussell

OBITUARY

James Jim Edward Greene Jr.

March 7, 1951 – October 26, 2011

Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park

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