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James Etheridge Obituary
Virginia Beach - James Edward Etheridge, 79, passed away at home October 23, 2017. Jimmy was predeceased by his parents, Julian Baylor and Elizabeth Falconer Etheridge; sisters, Joyce Phillips and JoAnne Stutzman. He is survived by his wife, Malinda Etheridge; children, Hope, Richard (and wife Suzanne), Jay, and Kim (and husband Matt LeWare) ; grandchildren, Taylor, Russell, Hunter, Jim, Candice, Erianna, Crystal, Sara, and Hannah; and 6 great grandchildren; brothers, Julian (and wife Marsha) and Shelby (and wife Elaine); sisters, Mary Ellen Brinkley and Bettily Chapman; brother-in-law Bill Stutzman; and many nieces and nephews and extended family.
Jimmy lived his entire life on the family farm in Back Bay and was a lifelong member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. He graduated from Princess Anne High School in the top ten percent of his class. He served in the United States Coast Guard as an airplane mechanic and loved flying. Jimmy married his wife Linda November 4th 1967 and would have been married 50 years on that date this year.
One of his greatest joys was stopping during work to talk to friends. He loved to take his family to the beach with his Ford model A (the Puddle Jumper). He could climb Penney's Hill in North Carolina on the steep side which started a lot of drivers to do the same with much more powerful engines. He was an expert tow truck operator and could do more with his little 1953 Ford wrecker than most could do with a larger truck. He appreciated a good challenge.
He welded and repaired farm equipment for many farmers and was known as their MacGyver. He ran his tow service and repaired automobiles in Princess Anne County and Knotts Island for many years and made a lot of friends along the way (his extended family).
He will be greatly missed by many.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 29, 2017 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville. A funeral will be held on Monday, October 30, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Back Bay Christian Assembly, 1212 Princess Anne Road, followed by burial and a reception at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 961 Princess Anne Road. You may offer condolences to the family at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Etheridge
Sponsored by the family.
Patti Newton
November 3, 2017
You will never be forgotten Jimmy. You touched so many lives in this community and our memories of you will go on forever. Your stories will be passed down through the generations. Rest in peace ♥
Sue Austin
November 1, 2017
So sorry for your loss Linda. I recall my parents, Bill & Adell Fentress of Knotts Island, many times speaking of his help for Dad's farm & car issues. Mama & Jimmy's mother taught together at old Bayside School in 1935 cuz I have a pic of them looking so young, standing outside the school. Jimmy also helped Don & I with car problems over the years....everyone loved him & his friendly, honest dealings with his customers. Shelby & my sister, Judy, were in Creeds Elem in the late 50s as classmates....my mother taught there & I believe she had your husband in her 5th grade class one year. I know she taught me!! Again, such history my family has with your wonderful husband's family. My sympathies to Mary Ellen as I worked at KIES as an Aide in the late 70s for a few years & she, too, taught there for a short while. The last time I saw Jimmy was at one of our Red Hat luncheons & you two had come from a treatment I believe. He looked so good & seemed to be enjoying life. He will be so missed....our deepest sympathies to you & your family.
Taylor Etheridge
October 30, 2017
Jimmy was a great man...a legend...and an icon....and he was the best damn grandfather anyone could ever ask for.
Bill Albertson
October 30, 2017
Malinda,
I'm sorry to hear the news about your husband, Jimmy. Please know you and your family are in my prayers.
Deanna Halstead-Hubbard
October 29, 2017
Linda, I am truly sorry for the passing of Jimmy. I know he was a great person and I feel your pain. Wish I could be there for you.
October 29, 2017
Jimmy, You were a GREAT class mate. Sorry I have been unable to be at the class reunions. God Bless and you will ne missed.
Bill Sykes
Joseph Conway
October 29, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Linda Griggs
October 28, 2017
Jimmy was a friend and great man.He will truly be missed by everyone.God bless Malinda and family,we know your pain.God needed him more.Linda and Eric Griggs {Knottsisland,Nc.We send our love to you all.
Melinda Jones Lukei
October 28, 2017
Well Jimmy, I remember you well as we grew up in Princess Anne County and both graduated in the second class at Princess Anne High School in June 1956. Your graduating PAHS class is having their annual lunch today October 28 at the Aberdeen Barn on Northampton Blvd. We will remember you and the other class members that have departed.
Years ago you rescued me at Knotts Island when my car broke down.
Marie Williams
October 27, 2017
This wonderful man will be missed .Was a true gentleman and wonderful man who had great storys to tell i truly enjoyed listing to him!!!You will. be missed Rip your work on earth is done !!
David Newnam
October 27, 2017
Jimmy was a long time family friend. I always called on him whenever I needed a tow or something fixed that no one else could accomplish. I had the pleasure of riding with him a few years back to deliver a wrecked truck in Deep Creek and pick up another car. We always had great conversations about family, friends, and cars. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Barry Scott
October 27, 2017
Jimmy was one of kind! Come and help anytime. Love his stories. He will be missed. Praying for the family.
October 27, 2017
Local Legend.He will be missed by the whole community!
Brian Delfenthal
October 26, 2017
If you live south of Pungo, you have been pulled out or towed by Jimmy at least once in your life. Most of us multiple times, and then by his house to fix what we broke. The view won't be the same without passing you on the road Jimmy. Rest easy, a big piece of our heart and our history goes with you.
October 26, 2017
Jimmy was a good person and hard working,devoted family man.He will be dearly missed.
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Smith & Williams Funeral Home/Kempsville4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
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