John Monroe Green, Jr.

John Monroe Green went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Feb. 22, 2018 at the age of 88. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Billie, after 47 years of marriage. John led a riveting life of adventure, traversing the world while serving his country proudly. He was a U.S. Marine with a proud Creek Indian heritage, earning an undergraduate degree, master's and even Ph.D. in Business Administration en route to a lifelong journey that led him from Alaska to Okinawa, Greece to Gibraltar. He dove through the depths of the sea via submarine and served many military posts before rounding his life as a renaissance man by quickly climbing the ranks of the banking world. John was born in Tulsa, OK on July 11, 1929 to John and Priscilla Green. His maternal grandfather was Noah Frank, a Creek Indian, born in 1866. Noah served as U.S. Marshal in the Oklahoma Territory during the late 1800s and early 1900s. John grew up in Sapulpa, OK during the Great Depression. He left high school short of graduation in January 1947 to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He served 11 ½ years as an enlisted man, reaching the rank of Technical Sergeant, before receiving a commission to 2nd Lt. in 1958. During his career, he served in Guam in 1949, while there were still some Japanese soldiers on the island. He served in Korea during the Korean War, on the island of Okinawa, and in Alaska, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Turkey. While afloat in the Mediterranean, he visited Sicily, Greece and Gibraltar. John also had the distinction of being assigned to a submarine for 4 1/2 months as a Marine Officer, submerged for 75 days in the Bering Sea. John, his wife Billie and their son Richard, moved to Japan in 1961. They were stationed there for 38 months, returning in 1964. While there, their daughter Deborah was born at a nearby U.S. Army base. Before retiring, John finished high school and received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Economics. His final duty station was in Wichita, KS training reserves. His additional duty was that of Casualty Assistance Officer, calling on survivors of casualties of the Vietnam War. He made 24 such calls and conducted the military burials. After retiring, he continued his education and earned a Masters of Business Administration and a Ph.D. in Business Administration. He was hired by Bank of America as a management trainee, ultimately assigned as the manager of the first Bank of America in Carlsbad, CA. He stayed there for 10 1/2 years before joining California First Bank. Eventually, he was hired by Van Camp Sea Food in San Diego, as Assistant Manager of Fleet Credit and Finance, where he provided capital funding for the Van Camp Tuna Fleet. After 2 1/2 years, the cannery closed in San Diego and he returned to banking. He joined Rancho Vista National Bank and attained the position of Vice President. Five years later, he joined the Vista Assembly of God Church/Vista Christian School as the Business Administrator. John was a strong advocate of volunteering. He was a member of the Vista Kiwanis club for 27 years. He served four years on the Tri City Medical Center Finance Committee. He served other seniors as a member of Project Care, doing home improvement jobs related to safety for senior citizens. He installed over 360 safety bars in bathrooms during his 17 years with Project Care. In 2002, he joined the California Highway Patrol as a Senior Volunteer, serving as Administrator of the unit for six years. And in 2003, upon the passing of his wife Billie, he joined the Carlsbad Police Department Senior Volunteer Program. He was selected as Volunteer of the Year at both agencies. He has a collection of over 20 Certificates of Appreciation and recognition from various sources including the California State Senate and Assembly, the U.S. House of Representatives and the San Diego District Attorney. John is survived by his son Richard Green, of Oceanside, CA, and his daughter Deborah Turpin, of Folsom, CA. He leaves behind six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and many friends from all over the country. One of those friends said it best: "A kinder man I've never known. He was loved by all. His incredible giving heart … he did so much for so many. Rest in peace, dear friend."

John Monroe Green, Jr.

July 11, 1929 - February 22, 2018