Well-known Asheville businessman, James Green, found dead at his River Arts District store

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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James Green, a well-known Asheville businessman and a fixture in the African-American community in the Livingston and Depot street neighborhood, was found dead Wednesday night at his Depot Street business.

Asheville police responded to a call of a gunshot wound at 7:09 p.m. Police on the scene would only say they were investigating.

But more than two dozen people milling outside Green’s Mini-Mart and the adjacent laundromat Wednesday night knew the worst – that Green, 75, had killed himself in a back room of the laundromat. Monica Harrison said Green was living with lung cancer and had struggled with the loss of his wife, who died two years ago.

“He was a good man,” said Harrison, who said she had seen and talked to Green not long before the shooting. “He seemed to be in good spirits,” she said.

Harrison said Green gave her Pampers diapers several years ago for her daughter, a time when Harrison couldn’t afford to pay. Others outside the store told similar stories of Green’s kindness.

Green’s neighborhood has seen dramatic changes in the past couple of years. The Glen Rock Depot development of new apartments and retail space was built near his property on one side, while the new Reid community center just opened on his other flank. And the entire River Arts District has seen a host of new artist studio and restaurant development.

It was a sad scene last night, and as so many people said, Green will be sorely missed.

Asheville Citizen-Times story here.

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

  • 1

1 Comment

  1. KAREN CRAGNOLIN November 3, 2011

    Mr. Green was a long time RiverLink Board member. He recived our RiverBusiness award in 2009. His smile could light up a room. He will be missed by all who knew him.

    Reply

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