jack-green_web.jpgJack J. Green, founder and publisher of two longstanding community newspapers in Virginia, died Thursday, June 26. He succumbed to chronic lung-related illness. He was 71.

Green, a Nottoway County native, was born Jan. 16, 1943. He received his formal education in the Nottoway County Public School system and upon graduating from Luther H. Foster High School he joined the United States Air Force.  While stationed in Germany, he furthered his education at the University of Maryland, European Extension, the U.S. Air Force NCO Leadership School and the Wall Street Banking School in New York.

 Green served one tour of duty in Vietnam before coming back home where he became active in civil service and in business.

 In his endeavor to assist his community in growth and development over several decades, Green served in several positions. He was a past president of District IV Community Action Program in Hampton, Va.; past president of the Nottoway County Branch NAACP; and as District 3 Supervisor in the Nottoway County Board of Supervisors.

 Green's most visible contribution to his community, his people, as he called them, was publication of The VOICE. He started the paper in 1985 to become a voice to the black community, which he dearly loved. Over time, The VOICE became The Richmond Voice with the launch of The Hampton Roads Voice seven years later. With Green's blessing, on July 2, The Richmond Voice and The Hampton Roads Voice will once again become The VOICE.

Green was married to the late Ruby Adams Green for more than 40 years. They were the proud parents of two sons and one daughter and the grandparents of two grandsons.

Green is survived by his daughter Jackie Green-August; grandsons Stephen and August; siblings; nieces, including Erica Jackson; and a cadre of other relatives and friends.