James was a believer in God and accepted his son Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was baptized in the very early 1970s in Chidester, Arkansas at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ (CLJC). James, Sr. and his wife Queen were first introduced to the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith with headquarters in Philadelphia, PA through worldwide radio broadcasts of the late Bishop S.C. Johnson who passed in 1961. They became members of the church under the administration of S.M. Shelton who passed in 1991 and continued membership under the current administration of Bishop Omega. James Sr. loved the ''Good Lord'', and enjoyed studying the bible with a dictionary alongside him. After James Sr and Queen had children, he would get up on Sunday mornings to make the 3-hr roundtrip drive with the family to attend church in Chidester. Eventually, the family started attending the CLJC church in Greenville, Mississippi. In later years, he was encouraged by friends to attend a local congregation in Monticello and was welcomed at the Church of Christ on Kennedy Blvd in Monticello under Brother Charlie Vincent.
James was a lifelong learner and had a deep passion for education. He believed that furthering one's knowledge was the greatest equalizer. He graduated from Drew High School in 1963. James was a member of the basketball team. After graduation, he followed his first passion and attended the Arkansas College of Barbering in Little Rock, Arkansas where he received a License in Barbering in 1964. James, Sr.'s pursuits did not stop there. He also attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello and graduated with his bachelor's degree in Art and a minor in History. Later he pursued graduate courses in education at Northeastern State University, Monroe, LA.
A genius with his hands, James was skilled at drawing, painting, writing (he authored his own magazine ''Common Sense'' circa the mid-1990s), sculpturing, and building. He taught Art History for over 20 years at Warren High School, Hermitage High School, and Dermott High School. Despite his love for art and teaching young minds, nothing could keep him from his love of Barbering. James Sr. was affectionately known as the best barber in southeast Arkansas. In his 64-year barber tenure, he cut hair for thousands of people, including former NBA star Scottie Pippen. James Sr. was called a Barber Legend because he delivered more than just a premium haircut service to his clients. Beyond that, he delivered a wealth of humorous stories filled with wisdom, laughter, encouragement, advice, and a sense of hope that helped to retain his customers and their families for generations. An enterprising entrepreneur, James, Sr. also owned a small apartment, a tailoring shop, and Green's Bar B Que Hut. The BBQ hut featured Hickory-Smoked barbecue with Queen's Best Barbecue Sauce. Joe Jackson the father of the Jackson Five singing group tasted the barbecue when they came through Monticello. James Sr and Queen also started a tailoring business that featured the sewing skills of the talented seamstress/singer Vera Racy from Dumas, Arkansas. James, Sr. also taught himself to sew, and took pride in designing men's clothes including the popular West-African-inspired ''dashiki'', and a three-piece man's suit. Green's Enterprises were located in a multi-unit building that sustained extensive fire damage in the late 1970s/early 1980s. But when it came to barbering, James, Sr. would cut hair anywhere…and did so outside his home residence to the end of his time on earth.
A friendly, engaging, and talkative man, James Sr. will be remembered for his smile that lit up any room. With an insatiable passion for learning and inspiring others, he never gave up on his dreams and encouraged others to pursue their ambitions. He was generous and faithful in his works. Besides being a renowned barber, and an accomplished artist, James Sr was an avid reader; and delighted in tickling the ivory keys and playing his own compositions on the piano. He enjoyed spending time with his family and loved ones, watching the late-night news, eating a big bowl of buttermilk and cornbread, and pancakes at Cracker Barrel.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories: his wife, Queen Etta Green (Monticello, AR); three daughters: Brenda Green (Atlanta, GA), Sharon Green (Philadelphia, PA), and Angela (Todd) Rogers ( Conway, AR); four sons: James Green Jr. (Monticello, AR), Steven (Tiffany) Green, (Wilmington, DE); Jeremy Mitchell (Chicago, IL), and Wayn'a Daeshawn Green (Monticello, AR); four sisters: Kay (Tyrone) Miles (Spencer, OK), Marilyn Jones (Monticello, AR), Mona Lisa Green and Glenda Green (San Francisco, CA), and three brothers: Alvin (Lorraine) Green (Monticello, AR), Arnold ''Laron'' White (Monticello, AR), Augustus ''Mike'' Alexander Green (San Francisco, CA); seven grandchildren: Brianna Jackson, Keanu Green, Christin Rogers, Davion Green, Amora Green, Pierce Green, Carmen Rogers; and one great-grandchild, Ashlyn Jackson; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, family, and friends. In addition to his parents, James is also preceded in death by his grandma, Ada Belle Green, brothers: Charles White, Johnnie Lee White, Freddie Earl White, Wayne Green, Raymond Green, Kenny Alton Green; sisters: Joyce Ann Green, Brenda Jean Green-Toliver, Patricia Ann Green, and Linda Darlene Green.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. There will be a viewing from 4:00-6:00 PM on Friday, December 9, 2022, at the funeral home. The repast will occur immediately following the Memorial Service: at the VFW Hall on Saturday, December 10, 2022.
Condolences(14)
Brenda lee Green
Monticello, AR Friday, December 9, 2022 So sorry for the loss of James.His Father Warren and Booker T.Green were like brothers. He will be truly missed., Sending warm hugs, From Brenda Green, Booker Green wife, and daughter, Ishshah Green.Comforting is a the resurrection Hope at Acts 24, verse15.Judy Floyd
Las Vegas, NV Friday, December 9, 2022 My Condolences to the family 🙏🏽Best Barber in Arkansas! Bring back memories for the East End. We use to party to the jukebox and had a great time back in the day at his spot!! It was the spot for us. Class of 74' RIP Mr. James Green💜Welton lewis
Flint, MI Friday, December 9, 2022 Sorry for the loss you have my condolencesBrenda Binns
Monticello, AR Thursday, December 8, 2022 To the Families,Mrs. Queen, hold on to your Faith, God will give you the comfort and strength. Keep the Faith.
Jennifer Stone
Star City, AR Wednesday, December 7, 2022 Angela, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for God's comfort for you and your family during this time. Jennifer Groves StoneToni Jackson Ransom
Arlington, TX Tuesday, December 6, 2022 My most sincere condolences go out to the family. James Green was a pillar in the community and will be truly missed. My prayers go out to the Green Family. Brenda and Sharon, I am sending you a virtual hug. Hold you head high, your dad wasan amazing Man and will be missed. Mr. Green worked diligently cutting hair for clients all over the county and taking time to devote his services to provide the best HIGH TOP FADES, BALD FADES, LOW and EVEN styles to the folks in the area. Be proud of the Man and Legend of hair cuts in Drew county.
TOMMY SHAW
Galt, CA Tuesday, December 6, 2022 SENDING MY PRAYERS TO THE FAMILYArtis Jones
Kansas City, KS Tuesday, December 6, 2022 To Queen Etta and Family sorry for your loss. You have my Deepest Sympathy.My prayers are with you. May the Lord bless and keep you in his hands.
Artis Jones classmate
Melanie Rawls
Monticello, AR Tuesday, December 6, 2022 Prayers to the Green and Goodman familiesDonna Lytle
Monticello, AR Monday, December 5, 2022 My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. James. Sincerely DonnaIva J Webb
Kansas City, KS Monday, December 5, 2022 To Brenda Green and family my prayers are with you and your family. I ask God to take care of you and your entire family. Mr. Green will surely be missed!!!Michelle elmore
Monticello, AR Saturday, December 3, 2022 James so sorry to hear about your dad. Just the few times I met him he was a very nice man I know u and your mom will miss him but one thing he’s in no more pain and will have a new body with out pain he will always be looking down on you and your mom I ask god to give ya strength to get through this ya will be in my prayersMichelle elmore
Monticello Arkansas, AR Saturday, December 3, 2022 James so sorry to hear about your dad. Just the few times I met him he was a very nice man I know u and your mom will miss him but one thing he’s in no more pain and will have a new body with out pain he will always be looking down on you and your mom I ask god to give ya strength to get through this ya will be in my prayersDR.WHM
Cincinnati, OH Thursday, December 1, 2022 May the peace that comes from the memories of love comfort you now and in the days ahead. To the entire family. May the Lord Bless and keep you in the palms of His Hands. Please accept my condolences.