James also grew up in Tolleson after his family moved there from Elk City Oklahoma. His family owned a grocery store and restaurant in Tolleson. His dad, P.J. Green also served the community including Mayor. He taught for more than 30 years at Carl Hayden HS in the Phoenix Union High School District, and is currently director of the Continuing Education program at Tolleson High School. James and Jimmy Ruiz have written a book on the history of Tolleson published by Arcadia Publishing Co. The name is "Images of Amercia: Tolleson. It is avilable at Amazon.