Green Honored
SLIPPERY ROCK — Jim Green knew how to provide guidance and leadership with a sense of humor.
“He was a true gentleman and an excellent role model,” said Bob McComas, president of the Slippery Rock Lions Club.
The Lions Club on Thursday dedicated a flagpole and memorial stone in honor of Green, a former Butler County commissioner, state representative and two time president of the club who died in 2011 at age 80. About 40 people attended the ceremony at Slippery Rock Park.
McComas said that the club began planning a memorial to Green shortly after he died. He said it is important to remember public servants, since their work sometimes is forgotten.
“He had a 50 year career serving the public,” McComas said in an interview.
Green served as a Butler County commissioner from 1959 to 1971 and again from 1979 to 1995. He was a member of the state House of Representatives from 1971 to 1976. From 1998 to his death, Green served on Slippery Rock Borough Council.
During his time as a county commissioner, he worked to start Butler County Community College and the Butler County Communications Center, which was the first 911 center in the state.
In addition to his political career and membership in the Lions Club, Green was a U.S. Air Force veteran and a member of Butler Elks Lodge 170 and the Masonic F&AM Lodge in Harmony.
The memorial project cost $1,000. Half of the money came from donations and the other half from club funds.The pole originally was installed in 2011 and the stone was installed in the fall of 2012, but McComas said that the club hadn't had the opportunity to dedicate them until now.Nick Neupauer, president of BC3, applauded Green for supporting the formation of the college in the 1960s, despite some public displeasure.“Jim Green holds a very dear and near place in the hearts of everyone at Butler County Community College,” Neupauer said.Dave Miller, Slippery Rock Borough Council president, said Green helped him when he was first elected council president and was a good mentor.“He made you feel comfortable; he had a good sense of humor,” Miller said.Butler County Commissioner Bill McCarrier said he has always appreciated the work of the Lions.“You guys do tremendous work,” McCarrier said.McComas imagined Green looking down on the ceremony and shaking his head, not wanting the attention.“But, you deserve it,” McComas said.
