James (Jack) Etheridge

Mr. James (Jack) Etheridge, 86, of Spring Lake, Mich., passed away Jan. 18, 2013. He was born July 15, 1926 in Center Ridge, Ark., to the late William Orville and Polly Mae Melinda Etheridge. Jack married the former Vivian (Delorce) Woods July 3, 1946, in Leachville. He served his country in the U.S. Navy Submarine service in Guam from 1944-1946. Jack was co-owner and operator that built many nursing homes in the West Michigan area. He attended Lakeshore Baptist Church and was a member of the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28. Jack was an avid golfer and a collector of Ford Thunderbirds. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was known for his exceptional skills as a carpenter and could fix anything. Jack was known for his commitment to the exceptional care of their nursing home patients.

He is survived by his loving family: wife, Delorce; two daughters, Rev. Sherry (David) Elliott of Philadelphia, Pa., and Nancy Collins of Spring Lake, Mich.; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Lou Hamlett of O'Fallon, Ill., and Betty Jewel Cude of O'Fallon, Mo.; one brother, Roy Lee (Bud) and Pat Etheridge of Grand Haven, Mich. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by brothers, G.W. Etheridge and Charles Etheridge, and sister, Faye Buck.

The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, at the Klaassen Family Funeral Home in Grand Haven, Mich., with his daughter, Rev. Sherry Elliott, officiating. Full military rites will be performed by the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28. Interment will be in Spring Lake Cemetery. Friends are invited to greet the family 6--8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of North Ottawa Community.

Please visit www.klaassenfuneralhome.com to sign Jack's on-line guest book or share a memory with his family.

Arrangements are by Klaassen Family Funeral Home.