James Arthur Greene

Jim graduated from Humbolt High School in Iowa. One pivotal moment was getting ready to go to Upper Iowa University on a basketball/baseball scholarship when "Pops Harrison" a former University of Iowa basketball coach, came to the golf course and dragged him into the Humbolt gym to shoot 50 jump shots and dribble the length of the floor 10 times. Upon completion, being very exhausted, he offered Jim a scholarship to go to Iowa Wesleyan College that fall. He accepted.

This is important because this is where Jim met his wife of 60 years. They were married after his Junior year in college. Lou taught 4th grade at Mt. Pleasant his senior year.

After graduation in 1961, both Jim and Lou accepted jobs teaching at Paton Churdan school in Iowa. After 2 years, they accepted teaching jobs at East Greene High School. He started officiating football and basketball and also taking on coaching at the school. He told many stories about coaching and was very proud of his student athletes. This is where they raised their family of 6. All graduated from the small town of Grand Junction.

34 years ago, Jim and Lou started Greene's Athletic supply. Moving to Mesa was a big life change and Jim got to play lots of golf. The valley was growing and lots of new schools were being built so the business was a success. Jim was still selling awards and letters for jackets at 86 years old.

James was preceded in death by his wife Donna "Lou" Greene and infant son Craig. He is survived by his 4 children: Cindy (Bryan) Stoll, Barbara (Richard) Hammitt, Debbie (Patrick) Ryan, and John Arthur Greene. Grandchildren are Eric Stoll, Alex Stoll, Austin Hammitt, Spencer Hammitt, Kendra Hammitt, Kalina Ryan, and Makani Ryan.