James "Jim" Robert Green

Celebrate the life of Jim Green, artist and hairdresser, beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at Bone Springs Art Space, 212 East Walnut, Roswell, NM. Following a short memorial program there will be a tribute exhibition and sale of Jim’s artwork as well as other artists he collected, with proceeds to benefit the Poor Clare Monastery and the arts in Roswell. James “Jim” Green was born on June 30, 1952, and died on July 13, 2021. His adoptive parents, Summie “S.G.” Green and Eufelia Romero Green, raised Jim in Roswell. As sometimes happens when a loving adoption relieves the tension to conceive, Jim’s younger brother Charles (now of Las Cruces) was born - coincidentally on Jim’s first birthday - and the brothers remained steadfastly close to one another. Jim demonstrated artistic tendencies at an early age, and in high school he was nurtured under the creative arm of Lois Ward and participated in the Roswell High art club “Paletteers”. His window paintings were featured in the Roswell Daily Record, wherein he became life-long friends with Beverly Ragland, the society-arts writer. Jim was also great friends with, and influenced by, Paul Zinc who owned a music store and travel company, and who collected art. By the time the Green brothers graduated from Roswell High in 1971, each had distinct personalities – worker-bee Charles wearing his ties; arty Jim wearing the tie-dye. But their differences didn’t keep them from being brothers and friends. Jim could always count on Charles to help him out of a bind, and Charles could always count on Jim getting into a bind. Needing a profession to support his creativity, Jim studied under Blanche Stephens and earned his certificate from the Continental Coiffure Academy of Beauty in Roswell in 1973, becoming a hairdresser skilled in all branches of cosmetology. Jim shared many booths in many buildings with many talented friends during his almost 50-year hairdressing career. Possibly encouraged by artists he had met through the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program, in the mid-late 80’s Jim attended the Memphis Academy of Art in Tennessee and focused on fiber arts. He purchased his first loom and used unconventional materials with which to make his textiles. Jim was a life-long learner in both the arts and hairdressing, enjoying not only the creative process in each but the life-long friends he made. He studied at Vidal Sassoon in New York, and took workshops from L.A. to Paris! He knew color well, and many clients sought him out for this skill. Getting a haircut from Jim was a time commitment, but one always left feeling energized (with possibly a list of movies to watch!). On the art front, he participated in innumerable workshops for over 30 years, including mosaics with Nancy Phillips, beading with Juanita Finger, clay with Aria Finch, and printmaking with Martie Zelt. For many years Jim sold his scarves and other products in a shared booth with jewelry artisan Beth Rusnell at the Pecos Valley Potters Guild, but he also loved to give his artwork to friends, including his yearly hand-made and sometimes risqué valentines. Jim was also an avid collector of beautiful objects and loved a good estate sale! Many of his collections will be displayed and enjoyed in future exhibitions at Roswell’s Miniatures and Curious Collections Museum. Jim was a caregiver and took special care of his elderly friends Mrs. Stone and Beverly Ragland until their passings. He was also a very good friend and patron of the Poor Clares in Roswell. His giving and sincere nature was balanced with a sense of humor and wonder. Jim loved kittens and cats. He loved classic movies. He wore out his vinyl Janis Joplin album. He loved Mary Poppins, Julie Andrews, and Bette Davis. He will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Poor Clare Monastery, the Roswell arts organization of your choice, Community Kitchen, or give a big tip to your favorite hairdresser! Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with Jim’s family at www.andersonbethany.com. Jim’s tribute was written in his honor by his family.

James "Jim" Robert Green

June 30, 1952 - July 13, 2021