James Junior Greene, 89, Van Buren, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ surrounded by family at 10:50 a.m. on Sunday, April 29, 2018. James finally ended his long and painful struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born in Roan Mtn., Tennessee, on December 26, 1928, to the late James Roby and Nola (Cook) Greene. On May 2, 1953, he married Kathleen Hicks, and she survives.
James grew up on a family farm in the Appalachian Mountains. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1950-1952. He then moved to Marion, Indiana, in 1952 and worked at Dana Corp., retiring after 36 years of service. James was actively involved in the United Brethren Church in Van Buren until it closed. He then attended Grace Community Church. He was a member of the Van Buren Lions Club and served as a driver for both the Van Buren Ambulance Service and Meals on Wheels.
James was an avid bowler in various church leagues and tournaments, and he loved basketball, especially the Duke Blue Devils. He was a very devoted man to both his family and his church. James could be best described and remembered as a very gentle, kind, and generous man who dearly loved his family and how much he loved to laugh and joke with everyone.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Kathleen; son, Stephen (Lorie) Greene, Marion; sisters, Hazel, Lucy, Ruth, Norma Jean, and Mary Lou; brothers, Steward and Dick; grandchildren, Anna Baker, Rachael (Dane) Purvis, Luke (Stephanie) Haglund, Grace (Zach) Shockey, Natasha Greene, Destani (James) Ailstock, and Stephen J. Greene; and great-grandchildren, Ruby Baker, Alex Baker, Dimitri Houseman, and Jordy Ailstock.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia “Gail” Haglund; brothers, Dayton, Emmitt, Floyd, Jake, and George Greene; sister, Nancy Greene; and grandson, Daniel Haglund.
The family will receive visitors from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Services to celebrate James’ life will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 3, 2018, at the funeral home with Rev. Dr. Tom Mansbarger officiating. Burial will follow at Van Buren Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.