James Stewart Etheridge Sr.

Our beloved James Stewart Etheridge was born in Houston, TX on February 23rd, 1950. His adoptive parents, Eugene Etheridge and Justine Marks loved him as their very own from age of 2. His mother took ill and passed away at an early age and Eugene later married Lucille Brownlow and continued to nurture and raise James in the historical district of Fifth Ward, Houston, TX.

As an only child, James attended Bruce Elementary School, E.O. Smith Middle School and graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School, class of ’68. Soon after, James welcomed his first son, Keith D. Fisher on July 29th. James continued his education and studied Business at North Texas State University in Denton.

On August 5th, 1972, James wed Sandra Dillard, also from Fifth Ward and Phillis Wheatley Class of ‘68. James’s career in retail management relocated the couple from Houston to San Antonio, briefly and then to Austin. From this union they raised James Jr. and Shana Lyne in Anderson Mill.

James and Sandra’s dear friends, Richard and Cynthia Watson introduced them to Covenant United Methodist Church where they also joined with their family.

He traveled with his family and especially looked forward to coaching and cheering for his children and their teammates during numerous years of ballet recitals, track meets, baseball games and soccer games.

James was skilled in retail management, sales, real estate, and embraced entrepreneurship opportunities. He was the proud CEO and owner of Lucky 7 Vacations and Travel for nearly a decade before retiring. James was known for his cynical humor, infectious laugh and firm will of independence. He retreated to a quieter and simpler life in Flatonia, Texas where his mother, Lucille grew up. He adored country living, farming, fishing and hunting.

On the early morning of Father’s Day 2008, James suffered a severe stroke. He endured many complications caused by this stroke, he remained strengthened by the love and support from his family and friends. His family dedicated their lives to his advocacy and well-being, especially while in assisted care facilities. He looked forward to his morning cups of coffee, midnight snacks, reading the newspaper, being outdoors, eating good seafood and visiting with family and friends.

James was preceded in death by his Mother Lucille Brownlow Etheridge, his Father Eugene Etheridge, and his Son, Reverend Keith D. Fisher. He leaves to cherish his memories, his beloved Sandra Dillard Etheridge, their two children: James S. Etheridge, Jr. and Shana L Etheridge, his daughter-in-law: Elnita Fisher, seven grandchildren: Tristan Etheridge, Avery Etheridge, Shatarra Fisher, Keosha Fisher, Anthony Montoya Fisher, Kayla Fisher, Korey Fisher and a host of cousins, relatives and friends.

The most important decision James ever made was accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior and because of this, we can rest assure that we will be reunited with him again in eternity, void of all pain and sickness. We have victory in Christ Jesus. To God be all the Glory for his Grace is sufficient.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.