Independents

Texas Jeweler Jimmy Green, a ‘Giant’ in the Industry, Dies at 65

IndependentsOct 14, 2021

Texas Jeweler Jimmy Green, a ‘Giant’ in the Industry, Dies at 65

He was known for being generous, loving, and supportive, and created a culture of excellence at the fine jewelry store that bears his name.

San Antonio—Texas jeweler James “Jimmy” Green died Sept. 18 of natural causes at his home in San Antonio. 
 
He was 65 years old. 
 
Born in Cherry Point, North Carolina, near the local Marine Corps Air Station, his childhood revolved around the routines and sacrifices of being part of a military family, according to his online obituary. 
 
His family eventually moved to San Antonio. It was there he discovered his skills in sales at an early age, working his way up the ranks at local fashion retail stores. 
 
Green was called a “giant” in the jewelry industry, with which he became acquainted in 1975, when he started working as a buyer and salon manager for Frost Brothers Precious Jewels.  
 
In 1985, Green stepped into the general manager role at Dennis Jewelry, where he appreciated the close-knit relationships between the store staff, vendors, customers, and even competitors, his obituary said. 
 
After two decades with the Dennis family, he decided to open his own fine jewelry store, establishing J. Green Jewelers with his team, including his wife, son, and daughter, in 2005. 
 
From its start, the store reflected Green’s dedication to design innovation, top-notch service, and quality delivery, winning both local and national awards along the way. 
 
Though the store bore his name, he never considered it his, referring to it as belonging to staff and customers. The Green family and staff will continue to operate with the same values that he instilled in the store’s DNA when it first opened.  
 
Green also believed in public service and giving back to the community, donating his time, talents, merchandise, and money to more than a hundred charities throughout his life. 
 
The highlight of his community service was the work he did with the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation, which helps raise funds for educational scholarships. 
 
Green held the title of El Rey Feo LXVI from 2013-2014, raising more than $200,000 in scholarship funds and serving as a goodwill ambassador for San Antonio, visiting nursing homes, hospitals, orphanages and more than 120 elementary schools.
 
Green was also a devout Christian and held his family at the center of his life. He was known for being smart, funny, loving, playful, generous, and supportive, taking up the role as the loudest cheerleader on the sidelines for his kids. 
 
He is survived by his wife, Pamela; son, James Preston Green; daughter, Rebekah Annaliese Green Anderson (Burton Hill Anderson); granddaughter, Payton Michelle Green; mother, Anna Belle Giese Green; sisters Patti Russell (John Russell) and Debbie Schwind; and brother, Henry Moss Green III. 
 
He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Moss Green Jr.
 
In lieu of flowers, his family asks that contributions be made to the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation.
 
A visitation will be held at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North on Nov. 17 from 6-9 p.m., and a memorial service will be held at Community Bible Church on Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. 
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Surveillance images of robbery suspects
CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab Robbery

Dubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in 18-karat Jubilee gold with aventurine dial
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says

YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.

Peoples Training & Research Centre Gujarat India
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ Fundraiser

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.

1872 x 1052 Gemolite.jpg
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional Edition

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

Jason of Beverly Hills Stanley Cup Championship Ring for Carolina Hurricanes
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck Pendant

The rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.

Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Meredith Young Nebula ring
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range

This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.

Time CEO Jessica Sibley, Botswana President Duma Boko, and Botswana Minster of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo in New York
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is Recovering

President Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Oscar Heyman A Living Archive Holiday Book
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’

The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.

Gemfields rubies
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby Mine

Its Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.

Hand holding a gas pump
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in September

Those surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.

JA New York sign
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking Event

The event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.

Dionne Warwick brown diamond ring from Sultan of Brunei
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for Auction

Online bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.

Matt Stuller
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement

The founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.

Emmanuel Raheb, CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind Spot

December is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.

Sandy Lerner’s 18-karat gold and diamond cat brooch
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for You

Cat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.

De Beers London Vibrations high jewelry Echo transformable necklace
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection

“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.

Zoë Kravitz Wearing Jessica McCormack’s Bows Collection
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New Collection

The “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.

Amanda Coleman-Phelps and Guy Borenstein
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026

The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.

Jewelers Mutual Instappraise screenshot mock up
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry Insurance

Through a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.

Rolex Datejust 31 ref. 6827 and Rolex Lady Datejust ref. 6917
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data Shows

Five of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.

Daniel’s Jewelers storefront
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private Equity

The Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.

Brilliant Earth The Elizabeth Taylor Collection Campaign Imagery
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection

“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.

Dana Rebecca Alexa Jordyn Marquise Marge hoops
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day Diamonds

The artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.

Jewelry display
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be Taking

JSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.

Header - One platform_ total protection_ seamless shipping (1).png
Supplier BulletinSep 24, 2026
Ship with Confidence with JM Shipping Solution

Sponsored by JM Shipping

8.03 carat natural fancy light blue diamond
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry Auction

The fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy