James Bernard Greenlee Sr., ascended into heaven on May 11, 2024, to be with his Lord and Savior. James was affectionately known as 'Pete' by his family and close friends. Born in Pendleton, Anderson County, South Carolina, to Mary Louis Stephens and Samuel L. Greenlee, he is the second oldest of five siblings. Around the age of 11, his family migrated north to New Haven, CT, where he attended Hill House High School where he played football and soccer.
At the age of 18, James enlisted into the Air Force, where he served as a heavy maintenance mechanic
maintaining multi-million-dollar aircraft for 20 years and retired as a Staff Sergeant.
He also served his community when he worked at the Children's Home which is presently known as Legacy Treatment Services. He was the ground supervisor for over 17 years and the staff and children referred to him as Santa Claus, because after his ho, ho, hos, and a long lecture of encouragement, the kids realized that the presents that they received from James, 'Santa,' were gifts that they never had before - someone taking timeout to listen, respect and love them.
James also worked as a machinist at Ball Corporation for about 6 years before they relocated out of state which gave him the fortuitous opportunity to go back to school at 50 years old. He attended Pennco Tech and earned few certifications as a HVAC Engineer.
He leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy: his loving wife, of twenty-nine years, Timborra Greenlee, his seven children: Dominique Greenlee, Jalis Greenlee-Grant, Iesha Leavitt, James B. Greenlee Jr., Najee Greenlee, Sasha Greenlee, and Michelle Fowler were everything to James. He referred to his ten grandchildren: Aveyonce Downer, Erica Mitchell, Dwight Downer, Avion Greenlee, Canaan Greenlee, Noah Greenlee, Arlow Leavitt, Delela Greenlee, and Amara Greenlee, as blessings; and his children as angels. James loved his family and would call his mother daily.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.0