Thank you, Jim Greene
Jamie Shell / (jamie.shell@averyjournal.com)
Editor's note: Similar to many citizens throughout this area, I
was heartbroken and shaken to receive the news about the passing of Jim Greene last weekend.
What an honor it has been to know Jim Greene as a co-worker, friend and brother in Christ. I've known Jim for basically my entire life, and his impact on me, as well as countless others in this community, has been great, to say the least.
As a church elder in the congregation where I grew up, and later as a minister, he was a positive spiritual influence in my life from an early age. Throughout his life, Jim's wit and wisdom were unique, and he was one of the funniest people I have ever met. His light-hearted and humorous remarks always seemed to be timed perfectly.
One of the high points of any day was getting to visit with Jim. I had the privilege of speaking with him often, whether it was at the radio station doing interviews, two hours before a football game joking around in the press box as he prepared for an evening of high school football or visiting his home and spending time with he and his family.
A little less than two years ago, I asked Jim if he would be willing to be the subject of a story as part of a series I was beginning spotlighting local citizens who were impacting our area for good. He was quite hesitant at first, which those who knew Jim best completely understand. Jim loved to serve, and he never wanted anything to be about him, but rather about his Lord and about others. I explained that he would be the story's focus, but it would be a story more about his service and about how the community has benefited by having him as part of it. Somehow, perhaps to end my constant nagging about it, he agreed to an interview. I was grateful then, and am even more so now.
In honor of Jim, I wanted to share this updated piece about "The Voice of Avery County," whom our community will dearly miss. I am a better person because of having known Jim, and his contributions to countless Avery County and High Country lives will never be forgotten.
It’s a rare feat for any one person to be called “The Voice” of something. The phrase is often used in sports circles when referring to a broadcaster. Vin Scully, venerable voice veteran of radio and television for more than 60 years, is identified as “The Voice” of first the Brooklyn, then upon its relocation, the Los Angeles Dodgers Major League Baseball team. Woody Durham is unanimously heralded as “The Voice of the Tar Heels” after his four decades of announcing games on radio for the University of North Carolina football and men’s basketball teams.
There is no question about the person one is referring to when someone speaks of “The Voice of Avery County.” In a list of the most visible and recognizable individuals in the 100-year history of Avery County, Jim Greene’s name would undoubtedly be etched there.
Greene has worked as an on-air personality with Glory 1130 WECR-AM radio station for more than two decades. His dulcet tones were broadcast to listeners across Avery and surrounding counties beginning at 6 a.m. each weekday morning as he reported the local, state and national news, weather and sports numerous times throughout the day.
Greene may perhaps be best known for hosting the High County Swap Shop radio broadcast weekday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Greene would share a special Bible verse or reading prior to each Swap Shop broadcast, and took time to listen to callers who dialed in with a variety of items to buy, sell or give away.
What made Greene a local treasure to folks both young and old was how he took the time to do much more than serve as a merchandise go-between. Listeners often called Greene with prayer needs and/or updates regarding friends or family members who have physical or other needs, and he was never hesitant to stop what was taking place to listen to those concerns, offer words of encouragement and often take a moment for prayer for those in need.
Aside from his day job with the radio station, Greene stayed busy outside the studio. Since the early 1990s, Greene has been the voice of Avery High School sports. He provided the public address announcing at MacDonald Stadium in the fall season for high school soccer and football games as well as inside Viking Gym for volleyball matches. He also did the same tasks for home basketball games and wrestling matches in the winter months. In the spring Greene returned to the press box and announced home matches for the Avery Lady Vikings soccer team.
Greene began announcing for Little League baseball, as he recalled substituting at the microphone for Bobby Oakes during a tournament game.
“I’ve always been a sports addict. I’ve always enjoyed sports with siblings who played sports. I played as well, and it seemed like the natural direction to go,” Greene reminisced. “I was at a Little League tournament game when Bobby had an emergency and asked if I could step in until he returned. When he came back he said he listened and wasn’t touching the microphone, and that it was something I was supposed to be doing. It started there and carried over into little league football, and soon after high school basketball and high school football. It seemed to be a good fit and I enjoyed doing it. People told me that God had given me a good voice, and I wanted to use it as best I could.”
Talking to Greene, it was clear that notoriety was never what he sought in the various tasks he endeavored. Greene was quick to mention a number of influences upon his broadcasting career, and the appreciation those individuals deserve for the trail that was blazed before him.
“There are a lot of others who have been speaking and doing things much better than I have. Roy Krege is one who comes to mind, as he has been master of ceremonies at numerous events around the county,” Greene said. “I can’t forget Mr. Bill Wilkins and Robert Woodsides who taught at the school. Bill was the first announcer and Robert announced football after him. I forget some of the intervening years, but Bob Tatum did a great job announcing games, then I had the privilege to step into Bob’s shoes. They were all good people and good announcers, and I was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time.”
Greene was a fixture in Avery County athletics for years. Back in the day he served as a Little League baseball coach for the Newland Tigers, and he has served as announcer for youth sports in the county. He has been master of ceremonies for numerous league and community ceremonies through the years. Even when he wasn’t announcing, Greene was often seen sitting in the stands cheering the team on, such as in Raleigh in spring 2010 rooting for the Avery Lady Vikings at the state high school soccer championship match.
I spoke with a number of coaches at Avery High School in August 2010 upon preparing this initial story, asking them to share the impact that Greene had on not just their respective team or sport, but the school and community as a whole. Here are a few of those remarks:
Tom Evaul, Avery Vikings head soccer coach
“In my opinion, Jim has been and will continue to be the heart of Avery athletics. Jim is concerned about all athletics, not just one or two sports. It would be a totally different situation if it weren’t for Jim Greene. I’m thankful for his involvement and concern. He's done so much to benefit both the high school’s athletic department and the community. He’s been the most constant figure in Avery athletics. Coaches have come and gone for years, but he’s been there through it all, and from talking to other coaches, I know that his presence is missed when he isn’t around announcing. That’s why I hate to have games on Wednesdays, because he can’t be there to announce them because of his church commitment. Our games just aren’t the same without him being there to announce.”
David Wright, director of athletics for Avery County Schools
“Jim Greene has played a monumental role in the Avery High School athletic program. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty in the role as our public address person. In the community, he is willing to help anyone in need. Numerous times I’ve called him on the radio for help personally in finding my own dog. Losing the services of Jim Greene would be a major loss to our athletic program.”
Stacey Clark, Avery High School head wrestling coach
“We’re glad to have Jim. He's done a great job with announcing our matches. He is really concerned and pays attention to the kids, and has had an interest in wrestling since his son wrestled in the program. It’s hard to catch people in the community who know a lot about wrestling who is willing to put in the time to announce and be here at every match, regardless of what time it’s scheduled or if it’s on a Saturday. We really appreciate everything Jim does and his support of our wrestling program at Avery.”
Darrell Brewer, Avery High School varsity football coach
“I appreciate Jim’s hard work and the time he puts into the program. I’ve heard many people tell me about the great job and how professional a job he does in announcing. He's been a source of great pride to our program and he has done an uptown job.”
Bo Manis, Avery High School varsity boys head basketball coach
“Jim has been great asset to our program. It’s great that we don’t have to worry about the public address as he does such a terrific job. He has been fully committed to what he does and he does it well. It’s never about him, it’s always about him helping us and he does it with a servant heart and attitude.”
The support of the coaches and staff at the high school has meant a great deal to Greene through the years, and he was always appreciative of his relationship with the school and staff.
“I’m awed by the thoughts and support I receive from our coaches. They are easy and wonderful to work with, and I have the utmost appreciation for each one of them,” Greene said. “I didn’t feel the Lord led me to coach, but this was one way I could support the program and bring excitement to it.”
In addition to his radio and public address announcing duties, Greene served as minister at Minneapolis Christian Church, where he preached messages for Sunday morning services and led a Wednesday evening Bible study group.
Greene served in many ministerial capacities outside the church walls, officiating for weddings and funeral services, as well as numerous dedications and county functions.
An issue arose at Avery High School in 2009 regarding an invocation and prayer that was offered by Greene prior to home games. Not out of spite, but rather as a man of principle and consistency of faith, Greene believed that prayer before games was both important and crucial. Prior to the 2010 Homecoming football contest, he worded a moment of public prayer for a family in the community who had recently lost a loved one, as well as for safety for the teams participating.
It was moving to see the display of support and love following the gesture, as Greene's conviction to put his faith first regardless of consequences garnered a standing ovation from many in the crowd at the stadium, and dozens of hugs and comments of love and support were offered to him by those in attendance.
“It was a remarkable evening. I can’t say enough good things about the people of Avery County,” Greene said. “Just to give them an opportunity to pray themselves, to reach out and be part of a praying community, then looking out in the distance and seeing every person in the bleachers standing up and showing their support was worth more than I can say. I once again felt fortunate to be part of Avery County and a place that strongly believes in prayer.”
I have known Greene and his family for most of my life, whether through my work at the newspaper or from my days in vocational ministry. I consider it a high privilege to call him a brother and a friend.
Avery County has been fortunate to have someone with Greene’s character to provide a positive example to people of all ages in the community, and Greene was cognizant and appreciative of his role in it.
“I feel the community is all-important in our relationship with the Lord and each other, believing He gives us the mission to reach out to each other with truth, encouragement and any other good, positive information we can give out,” Greene said. “I believe that’s what God wants us to do, and this has all become a ministry and a reaching out to the community. My hope is that the information gets into the hands of people and that it impacts and changes people’s lives.”
What an honor it has been to know Jim Greene as a co-worker, friend and brother in Christ. I've known Jim for basically my entire life, and his impact on me, as well as countless others in this community, has been great, to say the least.
As a church elder in the congregation where I grew up, and later as a minister, he was a positive spiritual influence in my life from an early age. Throughout his life, Jim's wit and wisdom were unique, and he was one of the funniest people I have ever met. His light-hearted and humorous remarks always seemed to be timed perfectly.
One of the high points of any day was getting to visit with Jim. I had the privilege of speaking with him often, whether it was at the radio station doing interviews, two hours before a football game joking around in the press box as he prepared for an evening of high school football or visiting his home and spending time with he and his family.
A little less than two years ago, I asked Jim if he would be willing to be the subject of a story as part of a series I was beginning spotlighting local citizens who were impacting our area for good. He was quite hesitant at first, which those who knew Jim best completely understand. Jim loved to serve, and he never wanted anything to be about him, but rather about his Lord and about others. I explained that he would be the story's focus, but it would be a story more about his service and about how the community has benefited by having him as part of it. Somehow, perhaps to end my constant nagging about it, he agreed to an interview. I was grateful then, and am even more so now.
In honor of Jim, I wanted to share this updated piece about "The Voice of Avery County," whom our community will dearly miss. I am a better person because of having known Jim, and his contributions to countless Avery County and High Country lives will never be forgotten.
It’s a rare feat for any one person to be called “The Voice” of something. The phrase is often used in sports circles when referring to a broadcaster. Vin Scully, venerable voice veteran of radio and television for more than 60 years, is identified as “The Voice” of first the Brooklyn, then upon its relocation, the Los Angeles Dodgers Major League Baseball team. Woody Durham is unanimously heralded as “The Voice of the Tar Heels” after his four decades of announcing games on radio for the University of North Carolina football and men’s basketball teams.
There is no question about the person one is referring to when someone speaks of “The Voice of Avery County.” In a list of the most visible and recognizable individuals in the 100-year history of Avery County, Jim Greene’s name would undoubtedly be etched there.
Greene has worked as an on-air personality with Glory 1130 WECR-AM radio station for more than two decades. His dulcet tones were broadcast to listeners across Avery and surrounding counties beginning at 6 a.m. each weekday morning as he reported the local, state and national news, weather and sports numerous times throughout the day.
Greene may perhaps be best known for hosting the High County Swap Shop radio broadcast weekday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Greene would share a special Bible verse or reading prior to each Swap Shop broadcast, and took time to listen to callers who dialed in with a variety of items to buy, sell or give away.
What made Greene a local treasure to folks both young and old was how he took the time to do much more than serve as a merchandise go-between. Listeners often called Greene with prayer needs and/or updates regarding friends or family members who have physical or other needs, and he was never hesitant to stop what was taking place to listen to those concerns, offer words of encouragement and often take a moment for prayer for those in need.
Aside from his day job with the radio station, Greene stayed busy outside the studio. Since the early 1990s, Greene has been the voice of Avery High School sports. He provided the public address announcing at MacDonald Stadium in the fall season for high school soccer and football games as well as inside Viking Gym for volleyball matches. He also did the same tasks for home basketball games and wrestling matches in the winter months. In the spring Greene returned to the press box and announced home matches for the Avery Lady Vikings soccer team.
Greene began announcing for Little League baseball, as he recalled substituting at the microphone for Bobby Oakes during a tournament game.
“I’ve always been a sports addict. I’ve always enjoyed sports with siblings who played sports. I played as well, and it seemed like the natural direction to go,” Greene reminisced. “I was at a Little League tournament game when Bobby had an emergency and asked if I could step in until he returned. When he came back he said he listened and wasn’t touching the microphone, and that it was something I was supposed to be doing. It started there and carried over into little league football, and soon after high school basketball and high school football. It seemed to be a good fit and I enjoyed doing it. People told me that God had given me a good voice, and I wanted to use it as best I could.”
Talking to Greene, it was clear that notoriety was never what he sought in the various tasks he endeavored. Greene was quick to mention a number of influences upon his broadcasting career, and the appreciation those individuals deserve for the trail that was blazed before him.
“There are a lot of others who have been speaking and doing things much better than I have. Roy Krege is one who comes to mind, as he has been master of ceremonies at numerous events around the county,” Greene said. “I can’t forget Mr. Bill Wilkins and Robert Woodsides who taught at the school. Bill was the first announcer and Robert announced football after him. I forget some of the intervening years, but Bob Tatum did a great job announcing games, then I had the privilege to step into Bob’s shoes. They were all good people and good announcers, and I was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time.”
Greene was a fixture in Avery County athletics for years. Back in the day he served as a Little League baseball coach for the Newland Tigers, and he has served as announcer for youth sports in the county. He has been master of ceremonies for numerous league and community ceremonies through the years. Even when he wasn’t announcing, Greene was often seen sitting in the stands cheering the team on, such as in Raleigh in spring 2010 rooting for the Avery Lady Vikings at the state high school soccer championship match.
I spoke with a number of coaches at Avery High School in August 2010 upon preparing this initial story, asking them to share the impact that Greene had on not just their respective team or sport, but the school and community as a whole. Here are a few of those remarks:
Tom Evaul, Avery Vikings head soccer coach
“In my opinion, Jim has been and will continue to be the heart of Avery athletics. Jim is concerned about all athletics, not just one or two sports. It would be a totally different situation if it weren’t for Jim Greene. I’m thankful for his involvement and concern. He's done so much to benefit both the high school’s athletic department and the community. He’s been the most constant figure in Avery athletics. Coaches have come and gone for years, but he’s been there through it all, and from talking to other coaches, I know that his presence is missed when he isn’t around announcing. That’s why I hate to have games on Wednesdays, because he can’t be there to announce them because of his church commitment. Our games just aren’t the same without him being there to announce.”
David Wright, director of athletics for Avery County Schools
“Jim Greene has played a monumental role in the Avery High School athletic program. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty in the role as our public address person. In the community, he is willing to help anyone in need. Numerous times I’ve called him on the radio for help personally in finding my own dog. Losing the services of Jim Greene would be a major loss to our athletic program.”
Stacey Clark, Avery High School head wrestling coach
“We’re glad to have Jim. He's done a great job with announcing our matches. He is really concerned and pays attention to the kids, and has had an interest in wrestling since his son wrestled in the program. It’s hard to catch people in the community who know a lot about wrestling who is willing to put in the time to announce and be here at every match, regardless of what time it’s scheduled or if it’s on a Saturday. We really appreciate everything Jim does and his support of our wrestling program at Avery.”
Darrell Brewer, Avery High School varsity football coach
“I appreciate Jim’s hard work and the time he puts into the program. I’ve heard many people tell me about the great job and how professional a job he does in announcing. He's been a source of great pride to our program and he has done an uptown job.”
Bo Manis, Avery High School varsity boys head basketball coach
“Jim has been great asset to our program. It’s great that we don’t have to worry about the public address as he does such a terrific job. He has been fully committed to what he does and he does it well. It’s never about him, it’s always about him helping us and he does it with a servant heart and attitude.”
The support of the coaches and staff at the high school has meant a great deal to Greene through the years, and he was always appreciative of his relationship with the school and staff.
“I’m awed by the thoughts and support I receive from our coaches. They are easy and wonderful to work with, and I have the utmost appreciation for each one of them,” Greene said. “I didn’t feel the Lord led me to coach, but this was one way I could support the program and bring excitement to it.”
In addition to his radio and public address announcing duties, Greene served as minister at Minneapolis Christian Church, where he preached messages for Sunday morning services and led a Wednesday evening Bible study group.
Greene served in many ministerial capacities outside the church walls, officiating for weddings and funeral services, as well as numerous dedications and county functions.
An issue arose at Avery High School in 2009 regarding an invocation and prayer that was offered by Greene prior to home games. Not out of spite, but rather as a man of principle and consistency of faith, Greene believed that prayer before games was both important and crucial. Prior to the 2010 Homecoming football contest, he worded a moment of public prayer for a family in the community who had recently lost a loved one, as well as for safety for the teams participating.
It was moving to see the display of support and love following the gesture, as Greene's conviction to put his faith first regardless of consequences garnered a standing ovation from many in the crowd at the stadium, and dozens of hugs and comments of love and support were offered to him by those in attendance.
“It was a remarkable evening. I can’t say enough good things about the people of Avery County,” Greene said. “Just to give them an opportunity to pray themselves, to reach out and be part of a praying community, then looking out in the distance and seeing every person in the bleachers standing up and showing their support was worth more than I can say. I once again felt fortunate to be part of Avery County and a place that strongly believes in prayer.”
I have known Greene and his family for most of my life, whether through my work at the newspaper or from my days in vocational ministry. I consider it a high privilege to call him a brother and a friend.
Avery County has been fortunate to have someone with Greene’s character to provide a positive example to people of all ages in the community, and Greene was cognizant and appreciative of his role in it.
“I feel the community is all-important in our relationship with the Lord and each other, believing He gives us the mission to reach out to each other with truth, encouragement and any other good, positive information we can give out,” Greene said. “I believe that’s what God wants us to do, and this has all become a ministry and a reaching out to the community. My hope is that the information gets into the hands of people and that it impacts and changes people’s lives.”