Jimmy Ralph Green, 87 of Tempe, Arizona, passed away December 15, 2024, in Tempe, Arizona. He was born February 3, 1937, in Promise City, Iowa, the son of Ralph F. and Nelma I. (Hellyer) Green. He accepted Christ when he was 15 years old and was baptized in a pond in Powersville, Missouri and went to Mercer High School in Mercer, Missouri.
Jim was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, neighbor, and friend. Survived by his brother, Phillip Green; children, Bennie Green, Joelle Anderson, David Green (Kim), and Sandy Huff (Jeff); his grandchildren, Adam Silva (Elise), Vriana Silva, Monette Silva, Steven Peterson (Erica), Justin Peterson, Catey Oler (Bobby), Jenna Green, Ryder Green, Reagan Green; and many more great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Linda Mae (King) Green; parents, Ralph and Nelma Green; brothers, Melvin Green, Max Green, Floyd Green; sister, Leta Beavers; and children, Mike Green and Jill Rivoli.
Jim, who grew up working the family farm in Iowa until he was 18, developed a strong work ethic. After that, he had an impressive 30 years of experience as a hard-rock miner, primarily as a foreman, across various states including Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. During his tenure, he worked in diverse mining operations, extracting coal, copper, salt, uranium, oil shale, and water tunnels. In 2000, he retired as a Handyman from Mesa Unified School District. Jim was a dedicated member of Tempe Church of Christ for many years. Additionally, he and his wife, Linda, actively supported the SunnyDale ministry for several years, serving as their service ministry.
Jim loved his family, animals, and various outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and hunting. He also enjoyed storytelling, country music, and movies, particularly Westerns. As a sports enthusiast, he was a fan of the Arizona Cardinals football team, the Diamondbacks baseball team, and the Phoenix Suns basketball team. Every year, Jim and his wife Linda would celebrate their anniversary at Old Tucson. Jim had a favorite saying, "Every day is a good day," which he embodied through his cheerful disposition and heartwarming smile.
Jim will be laid to rest at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Oak Ridge Cemetery.