James (Jimmy) Ray Green, 72, passed away Sunday December 24, 2023 in Harlingen, Texas. Jimmy was born in Sinton, Texas to Mildred Helen Pharis and James E. Green Jr. on July 15,1952. He graduated from Refugio High School and attended SWTS College. Jimmy soon joined the family business at Green Pipe and Supply Oil and Leasing Services where he mastered driving a backhoe and managed work crews. He later became owner and changed the name to Pompano Lease Service. Jimmy eventually sold the business and retired to his fishing cabin in Arroyo City so that he could fish whenever he wanted. With his gregarious personality, Jimmy made friends wherever he went. He truly enjoyed people and was a master of sarcastic humor and witty timing. He often told long hilarious jokes and could be a glorious pain in the neck in the midst of it. Jimmy invested in several properties and used one for Ocelot habitat renewal. He also supported conservation of the bird habitat on Green Island in the lower Laguna Madre. At a young age, he learned to fish from his Granny and Grandpa Green when they often took him and his brother Larry camping on Rattlesnake Point. Just a screened shelter, a few of his Granny’s quilts and fishing rods were all they needed. From then on, Jimmy was hooked! He became an avid fisherman known to catch his limit when others struggled to get a bite. Fish feared him! Even as an adult he was known to take off for a night of fishing to come home in the early morning hours just in time for the next days work. He often reminisced of all he learned from his grandparents growing up and told these stories to his daughter. In 1979, his daughter Cara was born and he embraced being her Daddy. He would spend time with her as a toddler with the help of his mom. As soon as she was old enough, he was determined to pass on his love for fishing. Although she didn’t always appreciate the long days on the boat, she learned how to hook a big one and reel it in all on her own. He taught her how to throw a cast net and fish for perch so she would never have to buy her own bait. And most of all she learned that her daddy was always there for her. In 2010, Jimmy married his wife Norma L. Green. They along with her son Alvaro Y. Castro resided in Rio Hondo, Texas. Jimmy helped raise Alvaro since he was 4 years old and had taught him many things but most recently how to drive, change a tire and oil and how to use tools around the house. Jimmy was in the process of adopting him when he passed away. Norma’s message to Jimmy is as follows: “Siempre te recordare, mi amore transciende a la muerta pues aunque ya no estes aqui se que siempre cuidaras de mi y de tu hijo Alvaro desde un lugar especial. Siempre seras mi amor eterno.” He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael David Green, his mother and father, aunts and uncles, his nephew Aaron Popps and niece Korin Bowers. He is survived by his wife Norma L. Green and their son Alvaro Y Castro of Rio Hondo, TX, daughter, Cara Gardner of Mathis, TX and husband Greg; Three grandchildren: Grace, Judah and Titus Gardner; brother Larry Green of Bayside, TX and his wife Sally Crofutt, sister Ellen Saunders of Yorktown, TX and husband Troy; nieces Hillary Green and Mercedes Saunders as well as numerous cousins. His family and all who knew him will miss him very much. We invite you all to share pictures or memories. It was his nature to laugh and enjoy life as often as possible, so we want to reminisce and smile together during this time. A Visitation will be held Saturday January 20, 2024 from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service at 12:00 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, Texas. You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of James Ray Green at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.