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In memory of

James "Jim" Earl Etheridge

Del City, OK, USA

May 1, 1940 - November 24, 2020

May 1, 1940 - Nov 24, 2020

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James “Jim” Etheridge was born May 1, 1940 in Covington, TN. The oldest of three brothers, he moved with them and his mother to Chicago at an early age where he worked at a candy store to help support the family. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1958. He would serve two tours of duty in the Vietnam War earning the Purple Heart for wounds in battle, along with various other medals & citations. He would later become a drill instructor as well as a Marine recruiter.

Jim met his wife Sue while stationed at the Naval Ammunition Depot in McAlester, OK and they married on July 8, 1962. He legally adopted her three-year-old daughter Debbie, and the couple welcomed their son Steve in 1965.

Upon receiving his honorable discharge from the Marines in 1974, the family settled in McAlester. Jim began taking drafting classes at Eastern Oklahoma State University in Wilburton – driving 75 miles roundtrip four days a week until he earned his Associates degree. During this time, he also drove a street sweeper in the early morning hours to earn a living.

In 1980, while living in Midwest City, OK, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force and was immediately assigned his duty station at the newly formed Space Command in Colorado Springs, CO. He retired from the military in 1984 having served sixteen years in the Marines; four years in the Air Force; and six years as a reservist in the Air National Guard.

While Jim’s military service was exemplary, it was his devotion as a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather where he truly excelled. “Pop” was loved and adored by all who knew him from nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and more. Besides his love of family, he was also fond of cooking, country music, western movies (especially John Wayne), collecting shot glasses, and snoring in his recliner!

He is preceded in death by his brothers Leon & Jimmy Etheridge, and his daughter Debbie. He is survived by his wife Sue of 58 years; his son Steve and his wife Patricia of Austin, TX; his grandchildren Lacy Harrington of Del City, OK; Mark Etheridge of Shawnee, OK; and Jennifer Etheridge of Austin, TX; and great grandchildren David Etheridge & Sylvia Clark of Del City, OK.

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