James R. Green

James R. Green, resident of Flat Rock, passed away peacefully Wednesday night, May 14, 2014, at Elizabeth House of Four Seasons in Flat Rock, surrounded by his loving family. He had been fighting myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer, for two years.

Jim was born in Durant, Okla., to Jack and Cathryn Green June 5, 1943. He graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and earned his MS and PhD in Economics from Oklahoma State. He began his career as assistant professor of economics University of Northern Iowa before he began a working with government agencies in Washington, DC – Economist for the Federal Trade Commission, director of economics at the Department of Energy, policy analysis chief for the Office of Management and Budget, ending his government career with the Federal Communications Commission as director of regulatory affairs and public policy.

He later became vice president of marketing for SNET in Connecticut, where he and his family resided for 13 years. In 1997, he became a principal of LECG in the San Francisco Bay Area, a global expert services and consulting firm. While there, he also served as guest lecturer in telecommunications at University of California Berkeley. In 2003, he returned to the East Coast and Washington, DC where he served as director of economics for Verizon until he retired.

Jim and his wife, Lynne, moved to Flat Rock a year ago to enjoy the bounties of the mountains of Western North Carolina. Pursuing his love of nature, he spent much time hiking trails and walking through the gardens of NC Arboretum, the Biltmore Estates, Carl Sandburg Home and taking many back road trips to find waterfalls, beautiful mountain vistas and just be out in nature. He also loved the local art galleries and fairs and the music that abounds this area.

Music was always Jim's passion. He began his love of music as a youth, playing piano and guitar. He and a friend formed a folk singing duo, playing the campus circuit. His beautiful tenor voice graced choirs and choral groups everywhere he lived. He was a member of the Asheville Symphony Chorus, the Choral Arts Society of Washington, DC, Oratorio Society of Washington, Paul Hill Chorale, and the New Haven Chorale.

He loved traveling, domestically and to Europe, especially Paris and the French countryside. He made many trips and loved being immersed in the French culture and food.

Jim was a lifelong member of the ham radio community, which began at age 10 as a hobby with his father. His long-standing call sign W3HUN will go silent.

Family was the most important part of Jim's life. He spent as much time with his family as he could and loved seeing them grow and follow their dreams. He was happiest when he was with his family.

His religious faith and church community were an integral part of Jim's life. He as always an active member and sang in the choirs of the Methodist Church in each of his residences. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lynne Leaf of Flat Rock; two daughters, Mary Cathryn Maher and husband Jim of Milford, Conn., and Carrie Mongillo and husband Scott of Cheshire, Conn.; two brothers, Jack Green, Jr. and wife Pat of Tulsa, Okla., and John Green and wife Bethany of London, England; five grandchildren – Caitlin, Chelsea and Joe Mongillo and Emmett and Sydney Maher; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, 2014, in the sanctuary of the Brevard First United Methodist Church, 325 N. Broadway Street, Brevard, NC 28712. Later, in a private service, his ashes will be inurned in the beautiful Meditation and Memorial Garden at the First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in his name to MPN Research Foundation (myelofibrosis research). His family plans to donate a bench in his memory at his beloved North Carolina Arboretum.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.