Ethan Greene

Ethan Greene, whose birth name was James Michael Richardson, was born in Dayton Ohio on December 8, 1946. He died early Sunday October 12, 2025 at the age of 78, in his home with his wife at his side, after entering hospice eight weeks ago. Ethan was the son of James and Sara Kelley Richardson who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Deborah Weaver Richardson, his sister Susan McIntosh and brother Daniel Richardson, nieces, nephews, a grandniece and grandnephews. 

Ethan attended Chaminade Catholic High School in Dayton Ohio. Ethan was encouraged to move to Athens in the early 1960s with members of his folk band The Ethan Greene Singers by JD Hutchison. He attended Ohio University studying Creative Writing. Ethan became business partners with Mark and Gretchen Hanesworth in owning Blue Eagle Music at 40 North Court Street in the mid 70s. Ethan eventually became the sole owner of Blue Eagle Music for many years before entering in a partnership with Ged Foley of The House Band, and eventually with Frank MacDermott the current owner of Blue Eagle. Ethan was a part of Blue Eagle Music for more than 30 years. 

Ethan was a musician, song writer, poet, sound man at Fur Peace Ranch and host of open stage at The Casa for years. He served on a non profit board, Three Rivers Housing and was proud to be a part of helping people find homes. Ethan was a guitar and bass teacher, mentor and friend to the many students of all ages he taught for over 40 years. He loved teaching. Ethan had the gift of maintaining friendships and keeping in touch with friends even those going back to his early childhood, including Micheal Keating, pedal steel player, whom he knew from the time they were in first grade together. Talking to family and friends on the phone was his favorite way to keep in touch. 

He also loved gardening, especially spending time tending to his corn and tomatoes. Ethan enjoyed a good game of scrabble, at one time passing around a t-shirt with “Master of The Tiles” with friends he competed with. There was always a board to play challengers at work or home. Ethan kept his guitars and amps surrounding him and would often pick up an instrument just to play or work on songs he was writing. Although he began as a folk singer, Ethan’s favorite genre was the Blues, old blues songs and artists. He played in various bands in Athens throughout the years, notably playing bass in the rock band The Bogus Brothers but also bass and lead guitar in numerous other bands with local artists. Over the years, he played local venues that included the Cellar Door, The Appalachian Lighthouse, Dean’s Midway, The Rainbow Inn, The Union, The Crystal, The Blue Gator, Casa, Baker Center Ball Room and Swankys. 

Thank you OhioHealth Hospice for your care and support of Ethan as well as his family and friends in the last two months.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.  Arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens.  Il lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a local food bank in Ethan’s memory.

Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.