Rosman - On Monday, December 15, 2014, James L. Green (JL, Jay, Jolly) left us to walk the streets of gold in his heavenly home. He leaves behind his wife, Shirley Lyda Green, of 59 years, his five children, James Ronnie Green of Brevard, Anne Green Ramey of Lake Toxaway, Bruce Edward Green (Eddie) of Hawaii, Rosalie Green Tomlin (Rose) of Tennessee and Brian Summey of Rosman. He was loved by his grandchildren the late Joseph (Joey) Henderson, Dennie Ramey Whisenant, Shannon Henderson, Heather Ramey Chamberlain, Britney Owen Ward, Marcus Green and Chanelle Green. His great grandchildren include Kaleigh Whisenant Phillips, Courtney Whisenant, Kirstyn Whisenant, Alexis Henderson and Camden Chamberlain. He also leaves behind surviving siblings Helen Green McCall and family, of Pisgah Forest; Earl Green and family, of SC; Shirl Green and family, of Brevard; Ruby Green of Mills River; Harold Green and family, of East Fork; and Edith Green McCall and family, of Rosman; and surviving family members of his siblings who have preceded him in death, Lawrence Green, of Pisgah Forest; Irene Green McCoy, of Mills River; and Mary Green Butler, of Rosman.
James was born in Jackson County on December 24, 1933. He was one of ten children born to Bessie West Green and Ed Green. He married Shirley Lyda Green on July 14, 1955 and shared his life with her for 59 years. His greatest passion was his family and friends. He loved to cook, hunt, fish and mechanic. He was a true friend and big brother to all who knew him and was the first to be called upon to help those in need. His hunting buddies include, Carl McConnell of Asheville, William Searcy of Rosman, and Bascom Hooper of East Fork. There are many more, too numerous to be named, but lovingly remembered by his family. JL worked at Olin (Ecusta), where he was nicknamed Jolly, for many years until his health forced him to retire. He survived a stroke in 2012 which left him partially paralyzed on his left side, but could not take his love of God, family, friends and life away from him. He struggled for the last two years of his life to overcome the effects of the stroke, working as hard in his physical therapy as he had ever worked in logging, grading and numerous jobs in NC, FL, VA and WV. His therapists, care givers and doctors loved his determination and sense of humor. His greatest legacy was his love of family, life and compassion for those in need. He will be sorely missed by those left behind.
Services will be held Friday, December 19 at Moody-Connolly Funeral Home Chapel at 2 pm. Visitation with family and friends will immediately follow the service. No graveside service will be held. No flowers, please. Donations to offset funeral expenses are appreciated.
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com. Moody-Connolly Funeral Home is caring for the family.