James B. Green died on March 18, 2023, at the age of 80. He was born on November 16, 1942, to Elnora Austin Crumity and James Green, Sr., of Monticello, Florida.
Mr. Green leaves a lifetime of memories to his loving, devoted wife, Freddie Calhoun Green; a devoted, faithful daughter, Janet Green Swain; loving grandchildren, Jaleesa Swain, Alexanderia Swain, and Joshua Swain; two brothers; Eddie Frank Crumity (Hattie) of Jacksonville, FL and Joseph Crumity of Monticello, FL; Two sisters: Estelle Crumity of Monticello, FL and Dorothy Crumity of Monticello, FL; Four special nieces: Annette Jones, Polly Brown, Cynthia Dates Westbrook and Crumity and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Mr. Green loved his high school, Howard Academy, Monticello, FL. The Old Howard Academy was named to the National Register of Historic Places. He was the senior class President, an honor student, and the Salutatorian of his 1961 class. He was an active member of the Howard Academy Marching and Concert band. He served as band President, Drum Major and played first chair Trombone. He was the first President of the Alabama State University Marching Hornets band, under the leadership of Dr. T. L. Lyles. He graduated from Alabama State University with a Master of Education in music.
Mr. Green was a great band director and he directed great halftime shows. He always tried to inspire his students to go further in life. He loved and respected them in a humble way.
His first job was in Ozark, Alabama, at the D.A. Smith High School. The band received many honors and awards under his direction. The D.A. Smith band members honored Mr. Green with an appreciation weekend. He received many plaques, gifts, and love. He started an Elementary band at Fort Rucker School.
In 1969, he started a band that was the highlight of the city in Greensboro, Alabama. The Greensboro Raiders played in many parades and events. Mr. Green entered the band in many band competitions. The band students continued to share their love and prayers with the Green family throughout Mr. Green’s illness.
At Selma Baptist College he served as band and choir director. They traveled to many places to perform. They also sang at the Bridge Crossing in Selma, Alabama.
Mr. Green assisted in starting the marching band at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He worked with one of his former students, Diane Ryans, and his former teacher, Dr. T. L. Lyles.
Mr. Green was an active member in many Civic Organizations. He was also active in KAY.
Mr. Green joined the church at an early age. He regularly attended Sunday School and Worship Services.
Mr. Green was an active member of the Salem Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. J.C. Carter. He served as Deacon, Choir Director and President of the Circle Seven Day Care.
He enjoyed the years of fellowship with the Pine Grove family, and he remodeled the church. He was a Deacon and choir member.
Mr. Green joined his wife and family at Church of the Firstborn in Cottondale. He loved the people and the music. He would direct from his seat to the beautiful music being played. His health was failing him so. The Bishop, Pastor and members prayed for him. He received many healings. The church members came to the hospital to visit him and they prayed as well as sang beautiful songs.
During the last years of his life, Mr. Green’s faith was tested, but he won many battles. He had a very wonderful caregiver, Mr. Joseph Thomas, who was one of Mr. Green’s Angels. Mr. Green leaves love to his students, co-workers, family, friends and his devoted wife, loving daughter and beautiful grandchildren.
A family wake was held on March 8 with funeral services following at Talladega College Chapel in Talladega with Apostle Darryl Jackson of the Church of the Firstborn officiating and Washington and Paige Mortuary directing.
