James Green, 74, of 40 Greenleaf Circle, died November 2, 2011. 

James was a native of Asheville and a son of the late James Renzie Green and Hazel Moore Green Hawkins. The family moved to Cleveland, Ohio and James remained and lived with his grandmother in the Clingman Ave./Rector St. area. During his childhood, he delivered groceries for Owen Grocery, which would later have a profound impact on his life.

James attended the Asheville city schools and was a 1955 graduate of Stephens-Lee High School.  He enlisted in the U S Army and served in Europe where he attained a Maintenance  Engineer degree. After his service discharge, he moved to Cleveland and was able to use his military training and experience to obtain a job with the Cleveland Board of Education.  

In 1961, he married Frances Louise Young and they became the parents of two sons, Kevin L. and Keith R. Green.  

In 1980, James began to work on his dream of having a convenience store in Asheville in the Southside area, which had changed since his childhood because of the urban renewal project. In 1983, Green's Mini Mart was opened at 414 Depot St.  James and Frances worked as partners to make the business a success. They later added a deli and coin laundry. The deli had a city-wide reputation for the best fried chicken and fish. Keith and Kevin would later join the family business.

"Mr. Green" as he was fondly called by customers, had the respect of children and adults in the community. He gave straight forward advice and shared the virtues of right and wrong. The store was never robbed or vandalized.  

Mr. Green was supportive of many community organizations and activities. He was a member of the Carlton Club and Board of Directors of Riverlink and received the 2009 RiverBusiness Award.

He was preceded in death by Mrs. Green who died in 2007 and brothers, John and Andre.

Surviving family include his sons, Kevin  and his wife, Cleopatrick, Keith and his wife, Kishaun; grandchildren, Brea, Keyona, Azana, Kennedi and Tobias; brothers, Clarence Green, Elwood,  Willie and Michael Hawkins of Cleveland, Ohio, Dwain Green (Dorothy) of Asheville and Tyrone Green of Durham; several nieces and nephews; special friend, LaVerne Glover; other relatives and friends.

The funeral service will be 1 p.m., Monday, Nazareth First Baptist Church with Rev. J.W. Brewster officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Building Fund, Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 56 Walton St., Asheville, NC 28801.

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