Jim Green was a 1953 Bluffton High School graduate

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Former Bluffton resident James “Jim” Henry Green, 85, of Harlingen, Texas, died Friday, Sept. 4, 2020. He was born March 6, 1935, in Lima, to Henry and Louise Green.

Jim was raised on a farm in Bluffton. After graduating from Bluffton High School in 1953, he attended Ohio State University in Columbus from 1953 to 1955. 

Prior to completing a degree, Jim entered the United States Air Force aviation cadet program in Harlingen, Texas, in 1956. He graduated from the program and received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. 

Jim was a decorated officer and received many medals and ribbons including: the Distinguished Flying Cross w/Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal w/8 oak Leaf Clusters, Combat Readiness Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (3Stars), Outstanding Unit award –Valor Device w/oak leaf Cluster, Korea Service; European Defense. 

After 20 years, he was honorably discharged from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel and moved his family to Harlingen, Texas. He started his second career as a structural engineer and opened Green & Associates Consulting Engineers.

Jim is survived by his wife Sandra Biddison Green. His three children, Kelly Martinez, Flint, Mich.; Tim (Erin) Green, Golden, Colo., Sharon (Steve) Machner, Harlingen, Texas, eight grandchildren AJ ( Myrna) Alexander, San Benito, Texas; Joel (Amanda) Yaw, Nick (Caitlyn) Yaw, Paul (Brittney) Green, Raimee (Brian) Salisbury, McKenzie Zimmerman, Colorado; Matthew (Jordan) Waco Texas, Michael Machner, Harlingen, Texas, and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Louise Green, and his brother Robert (Colleen) Green, Cairo.

Celebration of life was Sept. 12, at Christian Fellowship Church, Harlingen.

Graveside service took place in Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Mission, Texas, Sept. 14.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Fellowship Church, PO Box 530158 Harlingen, TX 78553 and/or WIN Ministries, PO Box 530044, Harlingen, TX 78553.

Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home, 710 N Ed Carey Dr., Harlingen, handled the arrangements.