James Earl Etheridge, lived a full and remarkable life before passing peacefully at his home in Spring, Texas, on April 20, 2026, at 88 years old.

Born on January 2, 1938, in Madisonville, Texas, James lived a life defined by love, dedication, and unwavering commitment to those closest to him. He met the love of his life, Ellean Etheridge, in high school, and from that moment on, their story was one of enduring love. They were married on October 1, 1955, and shared 66 beautiful years together before her passing on March 22, 2022. Though they are now reunited, the depth of their bond continues to be felt by all who knew them.

James is reunited in rest with his wife Ellean, his parents E.B. and Lena Etheridge Oaks, and his sister, Helen Yuchnewicz.

He is survived by his three daughters: Mona Hickman and Bob, Karen Etheridge, and Leila Etheridge Isenberg and her husband Jeremiah. He was a proud grandfather to Jimmy Reneau, Jennifer Weir, Kenny Reneau, Travis Luchak, and Lindsey Frazier, and a great-grandfather to Hunter, Lance, Kaytie, Madelyn, Cooper, Sloan, Kinley, Lukas, and Hayden.

A graduate of Milby High School, James went on to study Business Administration at South Texas Junior College. He built a remarkable life through hard work and determination, founding Ramco Industries, Inc. in 1972, which later went on to become Maverick Oilfield Specialties, Inc. in 1997. He often said he built his company "from the ground to the crown," and those words reflected not only his career, but the way he lived his life—with grit, pride, and perseverance.

Outside of his work, James found his greatest joy in simply being with the people he loved. Whether it was time spent at the lake or beach, out on the boat, or gathered with family and friends, those were the moments he treasured most. He loved golfing, traveling, his yearly deer lease adventure, watching Westerns—especially those featuring John Wayne—and tinkering with his old cars and attending car shows. He had a playful side too, enjoying a bit of gambling and the thrill that came with it. But above all, he loved bringing people together, creating laughter, and making sure everyone around him felt at home. Teaching his family how to water ski and sharing those days on the water are memories that will live on forever.

Though his hands may be at rest, the love he built, the life he shaped, and the memories he gave will continue to live on—steady, enduring, and forever felt by those who knew and loved him.