Jim Greene

James “Jim” Greene of Yonkers, New York, formerly of Ballybannon, Castlewellan, Co. Down,  Ireland, passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 14, 2022. Jim was one of four children born to Jimmy and Kitty (nee McClean) Greene. He attended Annsborough Primary and Newcastle Technical Schools, and as a young man served six years as a typesetter with the Mourne Observer newspaper. Jim was a skillful soccer and Gaelic football enthusiast, playing minor with Castlewellan and winning a county Junior Medal with Bryansford in 1967 and a Senior Runner-up Medal in 1968. During that time, Jim made several visits to New York, and in 1969 he decided to live here on a permanent basis.  

Jim was a much loved part of the Rice and Heslin Families in New York.  No family gathering - whether birthday, wedding, christening or backyard barbeque - was complete without Jim, sitting in the middle of everyone and sharing a story and a laugh.  He would be happy to admit that he was usually the last one to leave the party. The New York Irish community was Jim’s extended family. He provided a home away from home for many well-known GAA footballers down through the years, and a helping hand to whoever needed a boost.  No GAA County function was complete without Jim’s stellar journal. He was a perfectionist, and every journal showed the mark of Jim’s dedication to his craft. He was loved by all who knew him and will be missed beyond measure.

Jim is survived by his siblings; John Greene (Rita), Gerry Greene, and May King (nee Greene), his nephews; Conleth Greene, John Greene, Jim Greene, and Anthony King, his nieces; Cathy Johnson, Caroline McVeigh, and Christine Fadden. He is also fondly remembered by his grandnieces and grandnephew in Ireland.

A celebration of Jim's life will take place at the Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, New York on Wednesday, May 18th from 3:00-8:00 pm. A Memorial Mass will take place at St. Barnabas Church, located at 409 East 241 Street, Bronx, NY on Thursday, May 19th at 12 noon. Jim is being repatriated home to his final rest in Aughlisnafin, Castlewellan, Co. Down, Ireland.

In lieu of flowers, the Greene family suggests donations be made in Jim’s name to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.

A Live Stream of Jim's memorial mass can be viewed Here.