Jimmy Etheridge

Jimmy Earl Etheridge, 83, of Tarboro North Carolina passed away peacefully at home on July 19, 2026, after a long illness. Born on July 5, 1943, Jim worked as a tool and dye maker at Square D Company in Zebulon, North Carolina where he dedicated 27 years of service.

Jim met his wife Margaret and they married in 1999. He then moved to Tarboro, North Carolina where he spent 27 years in a community he deeply loved and called home. Jim made many new friends and enjoyed pursuing several business ventures including running a hotdog cart, operating a grass-cutting business, and helping his wife with her floral business.

A true craftsman at heart, Jim spent countless hours building garden bridges, bird houses, and flower beds. He was happiest when he was working with his hands. He also loved riding his beautiful blue Gold Wing motorcycle, and even built a trailer for it using old refrigerator parts. He enjoyed participating in bike shows where he won multiple trophies.

Jim also had a passion for a classic cars, and attended many car shows earning numerous awards. He was an active member of a local classic car club, where he served as vice president.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Blanche M. Etheridge; brothers, Johnny Etheridge and Henry Etheridge; and sisters, Evelyn Etheridge, Sonia Etheridge Patterson and Molly Etheridge Bunn.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Harris Etheridge, beloved fur baby, Sam; brother, Thomas Etheridge; children Angel Renee Etheridge and Jimmy Etheridge Jr.; step-children, Cynthia Pierce Butson and Robert Thomas Pierce Jr.; two grandchildren, along with many family friends and other extended relatives.

A service to celebrate Jim's life and pay tribute to his memory will be held at 3:00pm on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at First Free Will Baptist Church, 3150 Western Boulevard, Tarboro, NC 27886. Interment will follow at St. Michael's Episcopal Church Cemetery, Tarboro. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 2:00pm and other times at the home. 

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care, with special thanks to Missy Davis, CNA - affectionately known as boss lady - for the love, kindness, and smiles she brought to Jim during his final year.