Jimmy Austin Ethridge

With grateful hearts for a life well-lived and full of faith, we announce that Jimmy Austin Ethridge of Heath, Texas, was called home to be with the Lord on October 7, 2025, at the age of 79. Jim was born on June 18, 1946, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Charley and Daisy Ethridge. He grew up in Clarksville, Texas, and graduated from Clarksville High School in 1964.

On November 8, 1965, he married the love of his life, Lorrie Moore. Together they built a Christ-centered life filled with love, family, and unwavering faith.

Jim served honorably in the United States Army for three years, where he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was deployed to Vietnam during a time of intense conflict and served his country with courage, discipline, and a deep commitment to his fellow servicemen. Following his time in the military, Jim enjoyed a long and successful career with the United States Postal Service, retiring in 2004 with over thirty-five years of loyal service.

Jim accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior as a young adult and remained faithful throughout his life. He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Heath. He was a loving husband, father, and Papaw, known for his faith, kindness, and steadfast trust in God's promises. His life was a testimony to the love and grace of God. He walked in faith, loved deeply, and served humbly-a true student of the Word, which guided his steps daily.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of almost sixty years, Lorrie Ethridge of Heath, Texas; his daughters and sons-in-law: Lisa and Bobby Hampton of Forney, Texas, and Teresa and Brian Watkins of Houston, Texas; his grandchildren: A.J. Hampton, Zachary Hampton, Jack Watkins and Drew Watkins; and his siblings: Sue Fletcher of Detroit, Texas, Curt and Sharon Ethridge of Texarkana, Arkansas. He is also survived by many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather (Jack Morgan), grandparents (William and Susie Carson), his brother (Charles Ethridge), and his sister (Vera Walker).

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Heath, with Pastor Mark Farish officiating. The family will receive visitors beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the church prior to the service. A private interment will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Union Gospel Mission or KCBI radio, in Jim's memory. The family thanks all who have offered their prayers, support, and love during this time. Though we mourn his absence here on earth, we rejoice in the blessed assurance that we will meet again in Heaven.

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." – 2 Corinthians 5:8

"Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord." – Matthew 25:23