James Robert Green

James Robert Green, a masterful craftsman, avid stargazer, and respected former Director of Software Engineering, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on December 9, 1946, he lived a vibrant life marked by woodworking, metal fabrication, and mechanics.

A man who truly understood the value of things built to last, James excelled professionally for decades leading engineering teams with precision and quiet wisdom. In his personal time, he transformed raw wood into beautiful works of art. He also was a mechanic and a welder, often using tools his father had given him. His patience and attention to detail in the workshop mirrored in the way he raised his family—building a sturdy, dependable foundation of love and laughter.

When he wasn’t working with his hands, he was looking upward. Through his many telescopes and software to tracks the stars, he often looked upward at the night sky. His lifelong passion for astronomy brought him endless wonder. He also found profound joy in the freedom of the open road, especially when behind the wheel of his prized 1959 Willys Jeep.

Known for his steady guidance, practical nature, and his iconic, shorthand response to life's surprises—a simple, head-shaking “Geez”—he left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. Though his tools are now still, his software systems are built, and his classic Jeep is parked, his legacy remains firmly rooted in the lives he shaped and the family who loved him. 

He is survived by his son, Sean J. Green, and daughter-in-law, Danette; his granddaughter, Amanda Green; and grandson, Kendall Green. He was preceded in death by his son, Scott J. Green; his parents, Robert E. and Bertha A. Green; and his sister, Janet Leavenworth.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Green Valley Cemetery, Sahuarita, AZ.