James Cyril Green's Obituary
It is with profound sadness that Chapel of the Chimes announces the passing of James Cyril Green. On Tuesday, the fourth of February, 2025, Mr. Green quietly and quickly slipped away from his earthly bonds and gently entered into eternal rest. He will be forever loved, missed and remembered by his devoted family and friends.
Jim was born on April 3, 1950 in San Francisco, CA and died on February 4, 2025 in Union City, CA. He resided in San Francisco for 2 years, in Hayward for 26 years, and in Union City for 46 years.
His family survivors are his brother Michael Green and wife Madeline; sister Karin Tuffanelli and husband Jeffrey; sister Joyce Villalobos; and deceased brother Mervyn Douglas Green and widow Theresa. He was uncle to 16 members, great-uncle to 25 members, and great-great uncle to 2 members.
Jim attended the Fairway Park Baptist Church in Hayward CA. His favorite Bible verse was John 3-16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Jim attended Hillview Crest Elementary School, Barnard Junior High School, and James Logan High School—Graduated in Class of 1969. He was liked by his classmates for his friendly attitude, and it was reciprocated. He continued to see to High School friends at Class Reunions through the decades.
Jim loved his Country and wanted to serve so he enlisted in U. S. Navy with life-long buddy Ken Tocci. His first assignment was onboard the
U.S.S Samuel Gompers, a Destroyer Fender. After the tour of duty at sea was completed, he was then stationed In San Diego for the remainder of his service. He was extremely proud that his urn would be inserted into the Wall of Valor with other veterans. And the family appreciates the Navy Honor Guards participation at the funeral.
In 1975, Jim began his 30-year career as a Letter Carrier at the Hayward Post Office. He enjoyed serving the community as a postman and believed his responsibility was far more than just delivering the mail, including being friendly and helpful when the community on his route needed help, especially the disabled persons. He enjoyed the camaraderie with colleagues at the Post Office, many who have continued their close friendship into retirement. He was a Proud member of the National Association of Letters of Letter Carriers (Branch 1707). Later in his career he was elected by his colleagues as the Shop Stewart representing them in dealings with management. As Jim would say thinking about his long career, "He gave the Postal Service the best years of his life.” The family is appreciative to the Senior Representative of the Hayward Post Office who’s honoring his career by attendance at the service.
One of his life long hobbies was listening to Solid Gold Oldies music of the ’60 era. Music and meditation were how he found relief from stress.
But most of his hobbies were sports related.
He played Little League and slow pitch softball as a young man. He was a long-time Giants fan starting in 1958. He played flag football as a kid and again was a life long 49er fan also beginning in 1958. He played golf and had a really memorable accomplishment. Even thought he very seldom shot under 100, he had two certified hole-in-ones. Even one is very rare even for a really good golfer.
Another important hobby during his much of his adult life was jogging. Jim jogged with his buddy Barry Wallace and with his Dad and two brothers usually in Union City along the Alameda Creek out to the bay and back. He usually would run an 8-miler. He ran numerous races over those years. In 1985 and 1986 he did the Hayward Half Marathon (13.1 miles) with them. In 1994, he trained and completed the San Francisco Marathon (26.1 miles), a pinnacle and important personal life goal that he worked long and hard to accomplish.
Over the years Jim’s interest and passion for the sport of horse racing continually increased. When he was a young adult along with his father Cyril and brother Doug, he would intensely study racing forms, make predictions, and go to the track make their bets. His love of this sport eventually expanded to where he owned his own horses and raced them. And he won a few Trifectas in his day. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say the ardent fans who attended the Pleasanton race track were like a second family to him.
Jim had various traveling friends with whom he took vacation trips with to many foreign countries around the world. His friends included Ken Tocci, Guy Bueno, Barry and Carol, Paul, and Keith Wallace, and Rolf. He visited England, Brazil,Germany, Australia, the Netherland, Mexico, Wales, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Egypt, Jordan, and Ireland where he kissed the Blarney Stone—he was 20% Irish. When he was vacationing in a foreign country he’d try to accomplish two goals. First, he’d like to jog to get a lay of the land, and was especially proud in a few countries when people in the streets recognized and cheered him on as a strong American. Second, he’d like explore foreign race tracks, observe horse races, and of course, place a few bets.
His friends liked to travel with him because he was easy going, friendly and if there was a problem he wouldn’t be stressed instead he would say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” And they’d move on. He provided them interesting stories for the predicaments he could get into. For instance, on two trips the countries they were visiting had started violent political revolutions after they arrived and, fortunately, they managed to escape the countries safely.
Every year for decades he had timeshare in North Shore, Lake Tahoe for a week that the family was invited for vacationing. It was always a lot of fun and a good environment for family bonding.
Jim stated that the theme of his life is described in the lyrics of the song “My Way" by Frank Sinatra. His way resulted in a good man living a good life with a legacy of love and dedication to his family and friends that will forever be remembered and celebrated.
He was a beloved brother, uncle, great uncle, and great-great uncle who touched the lives of many with his friendliness, kindness, and humor.
As a brother he was a member, along with his four siblings, of a tightly bonded team that successfully resolved difficult family issues by working together. For example, when our Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease she had to move from her apartment. The team went into action. Together we searched for nursing homes, came to agreement on the extra resources required, including keeping her long time private doctor, and developed a visitation schedule so a family would be with her every day.The result was an comfortable environment and good medical care we all desired for our beloved Mom. This is but one example of many where family bonding paid big dividends. We’re all really going to miss Jim’s contribution to the team. Jimmy G. Rest in Peace.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects and celebrate the life of this good man. His legacy of love, friendliness, humor, and generosity will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
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James Cyril Green's true wishes were to have donations sent to charitable organizations supporting military veterans
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