James Matthew Greene Sr. recently went to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ on March 4, 2024 and was laid to rest Saturday March 9, 2024. Jim was a man born of humble means, but through strong work ethic and faith in the Lord, built a thriving and dynamic business in James Greene & Associates, which he and his loving wife, Jean, started in 1960.

What started in a corner room of their small home has grown into one of the largest independent agencies in America. Jim was a visionary and a true risk taker. Never one to embrace the status quo and comfort, he was always looking for ways to serve better. In the mid-eighties Jim and his son Matthew pivoted the agency to focus on niche markets, the centerpiece being churches and related ministries. This bold move positioned James Greene & Associates for even greater accomplishments. The partnership forged with Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company and other essential insurance carriers has placed the agency as a leader in “serving those that serve others.”

Although Jim’s success in business was unquestioned, his first passion was for his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. His desire, even as a young man, was to serve the Lord in a mission capacity. During his time as trustee at Ouachita Baptist University (OBU), Jim felt a need to go into foreign missions. After much prayer and discussion with the then president of OBU, Jim was shown his talent was to be a good Christian businessman to support missions. Although a direct call to the mission field was not in God’s plan, but Jim always found ways to serve missions. Whether through serving with Gideon’s International all over the world, or his leadership in establishing the mission organization, Linking Partners, Jim always found ways to share the Gospel.

His accomplishments and awards are numerous, but Jim would not be focused on that. He would be most concerned about his work for the Lord. Jim was a man who truly, as Paul states in Corinthians, “ran his race as to win the prize.” Jim’s presence will always be with us through Linking Partners and James Greene & Associates. We miss him greatly, but we are so thankful for his life and legacy that has impacted so many.

Rest assured the agency will continue to be family owned and operated under the direction of Jeff and DeAwna Brantly, Jim’s son-in-law and daughter. Jeff and DeAwna, along with the 70 dedicated employees of James Greene and Associates, will continue to honor Jim’s legacy through the faith and values Jim instilled in us through his leadership.