James L. Greener, Ii

RAVENNA - James Greener, 77, after leading a fantastic life, died May 9, 2022, at Regency Hospital in Warrensville Heights.

Jim was born on October 22, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late James (Detective) and Eileen (Mackin) Greener. He spent most of his youth and formative years in Northeast Ohio, and graduated from Cleveland St. Joseph's High School, Cleveland State University (BS Civil Engineering), and Akron University (MS Environmental Engineering).

After graduating from CSU, he married the talented and beautiful Geraldine Urbancic; they had 25 wonderful years and produced three amazing children, Bonnie, James, III, and Kevin. He later married Mary P. McCauley, originally of Mullingar, Ireland, who he loved and supported till his death. Jim was blessed with a talented loving family; brothers, Robert, Tom, and Pat; sisters, Kathy and Maureen; great friends, Bob Cottrill, Stu Bruny, Paul Flanagan, Dan Bryant, Joy Mossbruger, and Sybil Foley. He was inspired by his godmother, Sister Hope Greener, (founder of Providence House), and his three deaf cousins, Jamie, Terry, and Dennis Collins.

Jim was extremely proud to be a professional engineer who spent most of his 50-year career attempting to improve Ohio's environment. In government, he was the initial Public Wastewater Program Manager for the newly created Ohio EPA (1972); the Ashland, Ohio, City Engineer; and Portage County Water Resources' Engineering Division Manager. The other half of his career was as a consulting engineer for an Ohio firm and an international firm.

For 17 years, he served as an officer for the Ohio Water Environmental Association. He received two state awards, including Lifetime Engineering Excellence and the Bedell National Award. He served 15 years on the National Water Environmental Federation's Government Affairs Committee.  He was an avid sports fan who started following the Cleveland Browns and Indians in 1954 at age 10. He won Indians season tickets and a trip to New York from the Cleveland Press for identifying the 1968 Opening Day Batting Order. (Only two correct). He also loved The Cavs, all Notre Dame Sports, and all his pets.

The family will receive friends 6 PM to 8 PM Friday at Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Road, Stow, OH 44224.

Memorial donations, made to Providence House , 2050 West 32nd Street, Cleveland, OH 44113, are encouraged. To leave a special message, please e-mail [email protected]