Barber Legend and former art and history teacher, James Edward Green, Sr. passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2022, at 1:25 p.m. at the age of 77 at Baptist Hospital, North Little Rock. Despite battling ongoing medical issues in recent years, James, Sr. showed remarkable courage and strength in facing life's challenges with resilience and smiles. Despite enduring unspeakable pain, James, Sr. remained determined, optimistic, and strong until the end of his life. He was surrounded by loved ones who watched him peacefully transition from his earthly duties.
James Green, Sr. was born on May 5, 1945, in Monticello, to the late Warren Harding Green and the late Beatrice White. At the tender age of 15, he met his loving and devoted wife, Queen Etta Green. They married in 1964 and celebrated their 58th year of matrimony on July 12, 2022.
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, 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, 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, Miss. 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 Bro. 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, 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. 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; three daughters: Brenda Green of Atlanta, Sharon Green of Philadelphia, and Angela (Todd) Rogers of Conway; four sons: James Green Jr. of Monticello, Steven (Tiffany) Green, of Wilmington, Del.; Jeremy Mitchell of Chicago, and Wayn'a Daeshawn Green of Monticello; four sisters: Kay (Tyrone) Miles of Spencer, Okla., Marilyn Jones of Monticello, Mona Lisa Green and Glenda Green of San Francisco, and three brothers: Alvin (Lorraine) Green of Monticello, Arnold ''Laron'' White of Monticello, and Augustus ''Mike'' Alexander Green of San Francisco 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 a.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. There will be a viewing from 4-6 p.m. 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.
