James Bryan Greenlee 78, a longtime resident of Mesa, AZ passed away peacefully on June 28, 2022, surrounded by his family. Twenty-seven days was all he could take without the love of his life. Jim was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on March 10, 1944, to Stanley Glenn Greenlee and Margaret Otto Greenlee. He proudly served in the United States Air Force, while stationed in Japan he met his wife of 57 years, Phyllis. He worked in the hospitality industry for over 40 years. He was involved in the Masonic Lodge, Shrine, and the Masonic youth organization Job’s Daughter’s. He loved to travel with his wife, family, and friends. He loved his family and was very proud of his daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved children and spent many hours laying on the floor playing with them regardless of relations. He opened up his heart and home to anyone and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He is proceeded in death by his wife, Phyllis, and parents. He is survived by Daughters Jodie Greenlee, Jill Sclease (Rob), Grandchildren James van Arkel (Hannah), Jenna Shaver (Andrew), Joshua Sclease, Bradley Sclease and Emmalee Sclease and great grandsons JJ, Duncan and Ace as well as his brother, sister, brother-in-law, and sister(s)-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and all his adopted kids, and grandkids. He will be tremendously missed and forever loved.
Memorial Service Saturday, July 9th, 2022, at Bunker University Chapel 3529 E. University Drive Mesa, AZ 85213 at 1:00 PM. Reception to follow.
Join via Zoom: (papa) Jim Greenlee Memorial https://zoom.us/j/.92095970242
Meeting ID: 920 9597 0242
In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations in his name to Shriners Hospital for Children 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive Tampa, Florida 33607
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Oh PAPA JIM..Heaven has got their hands full now. You and Phyllis were sent there to SHAKE things up. Phyllis was just getting things in order. Such a short season of my life.. but WOW what a great impact. Never forgotten.. Forever Loved
Sorry for your loss. Your Dad just wanted to be with your Mom. You will be unnighted with them in Heaven .
As you celebrate your dad’s life with his memorial, know that love and thoughts are shared by all who knew Jim and Phyllis. Family. Above all other. I know the children especially will miss their Papa Jim.
Jim was a very special man! Worked with him for over 20 years! My heart bleeds for his family on the loss of both their parents in such a short time….but Jim, I hope you have found Phyllis again! Godspeed, my friend! It was an honor to know you! Lee
I loved this man and Phyliss, worked with and for him years ago. Mentor and friend. I have no words, to his children, family and friends I am praying for all of you.
My deepest condolences. Jim will forever be remembered as a great man with a kindness that was truly heartfelt. Jim and Phyllis will be dearly missed.
Sending Prayers, Strength, and Love
Jim was one of a kind. You liked him the minute you met him; he made sure of it. I met Jim at Motel 6. He was in a different region at the time. Eventually they blended us and he helped me transition, with the help of his beautiful wife, Phyllis, to move to Arizona. They both couldn’t do enough for me to make things easy. He eventually became my boss and I never worked for anyone like him. Completely fair and always had his team’s backs. Sorry for the tremendous loss for his beautiful family. He loved you all so much and was very proud. Peace and love to you all. He, truly, was a great man.
The most open-hearted unselfish man in the world has left us to join his wonderfull wife. “Dad, I miss you big guy. Thank you for everything you did for me”
I was saddened to hear of the death of Phyllis and Jim. I met Jim in Basic Training in the Air Force. On the train from St Paul to San Antonio Jim met an Air Force (Jim talked to everyone) and was confidently telling this guy what all he was going to do in Basic Training. Jim was quite shocked when that man turned out to be our drill Sargent! It all worked out as Jim was made a squad leader. Jim and ai were also in technical school together and were in Japan together in the same unit. That’s where he met and fell in love with a lovely young girl, named Phyllis. Some fond memories of those two. My deep condolences to the family.