Texas Jeweler Jimmy Green, a ‘Giant’ in the Industry, Dies at 65

He was known for being generous, loving, and supportive, and created a culture of excellence at the fine jewelry store that bears his name.

Brecken Branstrator brecken.branstrator@nationaljeweler.com

San Antonio—Texas jeweler James “Jimmy” Green died Sept. 18 of natural causes at his home in San Antonio.

He was 65 years old.

Born in Cherry Point, North Carolina, near the local Marine Corps Air Station, his childhood revolved around the routines and sacrifices of being part of a military family, according to his online obituary.

His family eventually moved to San Antonio. It was there he discovered his skills in sales at an early age, working his way up the ranks at local fashion retail stores.

Green was called a “giant” in the jewelry industry, with which he became acquainted in 1975, when he started working as a buyer and salon manager for Frost Brothers Precious Jewels.

In 1985, Green stepped into the general manager role at Dennis Jewelry, where he appreciated the close-knit relationships between the store staff, vendors, customers, and even competitors, his obituary said.

After two decades with the Dennis family, he decided to open his own fine jewelry store, establishing J. Green Jewelers with his team, including his wife, son, and daughter, in 2005.

From its start, the store reflected Green’s dedication to design innovation, top-notch service, and quality delivery, winning both local and national awards along the way.

   
  
 


 
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Though the store bore his name, he never considered it his, referring to it as belonging to staff and customers. The Green family and staff will continue to operate with the same values that he instilled in the store’s DNA when it first opened.

Green also believed in public service and giving back to the community, donating his time, talents, merchandise, and money to more than a hundred charities throughout his life.

The highlight of his community service was the work he did with the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation, which helps raise funds for educational scholarships.

Green held the title of El Rey Feo LXVI from 2013-2014, raising more than $200,000 in scholarship funds and serving as a goodwill ambassador for San Antonio, visiting nursing homes, hospitals, orphanages and more than 120 elementary schools.

Green was also a devout Christian and held his family at the center of his life. He was known for being smart, funny, loving, playful, generous, and supportive, taking up the role as the loudest cheerleader on the sidelines for his kids.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela; son, James Preston Green; daughter, Rebekah Annaliese Green Anderson (Burton Hill Anderson); granddaughter, Payton Michelle Green; mother, Anna Belle Giese Green; sisters Patti Russell (John Russell) and Debbie Schwind; and brother, Henry Moss Green III.

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Moss Green Jr.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that contributions be made to the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation.

A visitation will be held at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North on Nov. 17 from 6-9 p.m., and a memorial service will be held at Community Bible Church on Nov. 18 at 11 a.m.

Banner will be right here …

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

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