James "Jimmy" Elton Greene, 87, of Shelby, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at White Oak Manor in Shelby.

A native of Cleveland County, he was born September 28, 1938 to the late John Elton Greene and Mary Ethel Beason Greene.

Jimmy loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was an active member of Double Springs Baptist Church. He retired from Cleveland Community College as Senior Vice President of Finance/Administration Services after 28 years. He also served the Town of Boiling Springs as Mayor for 11 years and as a councilman for 3 years. Jimmy loved sports, especially basketball and baseball. His favorite teams were the Yankees, Braves, and UNC Basketball.

Besides his love for God, he loved his family. He adored his daughter Hope, and his grandsons and their families, as well as his extended family. He will be truly missed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Sara Maxann Hamrick Greene; his son, Eric Todde Greene; granddaughter, Ashley Marie Binion; sister, Lois Dobbins Mull; and nephews, Ronald Gene Dobbins, and Jimmy Dean Dobbins.

Survivors are his wife of 14 years, Glenda Blanton Greene; daughter, Hope Greene Binion (Scott); grandsons, Shelton Binion (Hannah), and Johnson Binion (Kristen); great-grandson, Michael; and his nieces who affectionately knew him as "Bo", Shelia Ann Dobbins Gilliam, and Angela Lynn Dobbins Bryant.

He is also survived by his step-children, Virginia Blanton, Drs. Robert and Shannon Blanton, and Al and Deena Blanton; Step-grandchildren, Chuck and Kathy Patterson, Rachel and Josh McEntire, Dr. Austin Blanton, Cullen Blanton, Will, Ben, Jack, and Megan Blanton; and step-great grandchildren, Mason and Kell Patterson.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in the Fellowship Hall of Double Springs Baptist Church. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary. A private internment will be held at Cleveland Memorial Park.

Online condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.