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James Owen Etheridge
A lifelong resident and passionate public servant of the Currituck community, James Owen Etheridge joined his heavenly Father in Paradise on June 25, 2026 after an extensive illness. Owen, born in Elizabeth City, NC on July 28, 1951 was one of four siblings born to Doc Horace Etheridge and Lela Iris (Earp) Etheridge.
Forever treasuring their memories of Owen are his beloved and dedicated wife, Rene Mosely Etheridge; his two children, Pope Etheridge and Lindsey Etheridge Tice (Greg); and the apples of Owen’s eye, his grandchildren, Alexis Tice, Ashton Tice, Tate Etheridge, Oliver Tice, Rose Tice and Fable Tice. Also surviving is his sister, Jane Etheridge; his sister, LeAnn Etheridge (Patrick “Mac” McInerney); his brother, Joseph Doc Etheridge (Laura Dobson Etheridge); and nephews, Zack Small (Sara) and Will Small (Kelly). He also cherished his great-niece, Jazlynn Simpson and many other great nieces, nephews, and his loyal furbaby and constant companion, EllieMae.
Owen will be particularly remembered for his love of family and his servant’s heart and for his devotion to serving Currituck County. He built a legacy of commitment to bettering the quality of life of all Currituck residents. He was a formidable Patriot, loyal to his Country, mastered an understanding for government and stood steadfast in defense of our Nation’s devotion to liberty. Many will continue to admire Owen’s personal and public contributions for years to come.
Friends and family may view Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints (965 E. Ridge Road in Shawboro, NC 27973). A ceremony, “To Honor the Legacy of Owen Etheridge” will be held at the church the following day, Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 11am. Friends may greet the family at a reception immediately following the funeral and the interment will be private. The family will also receive guests at the residence.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Currituck Fire and EMS, a cause Owen strongly supported. Please share expressions of love, sympathy, and support with the Etheridge family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.
Condolences
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Owen. In his roles as both a commissioner and a friend, he was a constant source of support and guidance whenever we reached out. Owen possessed an great knowledge of Currituck’s history. His passing is a loss to our community, the history he shared will not be forgotten. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Rene and his entire loving family. We are truly sorry for your loss.– Greg & Juanita Krause and family
RIP Owen. Condolences to the family.🙏🙏
Owen was a kind,generous and hardworking gentleman. He will surely be missed by all who knew him. Prayers for his loved ones.
Owen. A gentleman farmer, a friend to everyone, and a champion of your cause. Owen held nearly everyone in high regard. He tried to follow Jesus’s example in his sense of right and wrong as much as any man could. He did not accomplish everything he set out to do, but he never gave up. Owen planned for the next meeting until the Lord called him home. Owen, it is time to rest now. Your work on this earth is complete. Your legacy is formed, and it will be visible for all to see. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your sense of fair play. Thank you for your help and understanding. Thank you for the hard, hard work on behalf of Currituck. I hope Rene and the family find peace by the grace of God.
We are so sorry for your loss, our prayers and thoughts are with you. Bob and Ruthann. Vorhees
Our hearts are saddened by the news of Owen’s passing. He was many things, including a man of great faith. No doubt he was warmly welcomed into the eternities. His love for Rene was evident, and we are praying for her to be comforted. Until we meet again!
Jane… Dave and I are so sad to hear the news about Owen. I know this is such a loss for you and your family. Our prayers are with you all. God bless you sweetie. Much love, Penny and Dave.
Rene, we are so sorry to hear of Owen’s passing. You and family are in our prayers. Much Love to you all!
Mr. Etheridge was a public servant in the strictest sense of the term. I had occasion to engage with him as a citizen, a newspaper columnist and later a County employee, and he always treated me with the utmost of dignity and respect. Many prayers and kind thoughts to his family in this time of bereavement. May he rest in true peace.
We wish to express our deepest sympathy to Commissioner Etheridge's Family. Owen has been a dedicated supporter of Senior Services through the years. We appreciate all his efforts, countless conversations and kind words.
It is with a very heavy heart that I received this news. Owen had a loving heart and a deep commitment to helping others succeed. His reach and impact extended far beyond Curituck County and touched lives throughout North Carolina. He was a dear friend, a trusted advisor, and a valued mentor. His presence, wisdom, and friendship will be deeply missed. My heart goes out to Rene and the entire family during this difficult time. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do to help in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out. May God bless each and every one of you, and may He grant Owen eternal peace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
On behalf of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Commissioner J. Owen Etheridge. Commissioner Etheridge's dedicated service to Currituck County and his commitment to improving the lives of its residents will be remembered with gratitude and respect. His legacy of leadership and public service has left a lasting impact on his community and on county government across North Carolina. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved him during this difficult time. With sincere sympathy, Kevin Leonard Executive Director North Carolina Association of County Commissioners
Please accept my deepest condolences to the family.
So sorry for your loss.He was a brother in Christ.
Jane and Family, so very sorry to hear the news about Owen. Prayers are with you all and truly sorry for your loss. Love and Hugs, Gail Chappell Hess
you served our county well. thank you
I AM SAD TO SEE THAT OWEN HAS PASSED TOO, SO MANY WE HAVE LET GO TO GOD NOW IN CURRITUCK. OWEN WAS A CALM QUIET SOUL TO ALL & WAS GOOD TO ALL MY FAMILY. I SHALL MISS HIM. I WILL CONTINUE IN PRAYER FOR ALL OF YOU. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS, NANCY D. SNEAD FORMER OWNER OF THE MILL STONE COUNTRY STORE THE GRIST MILL COUNTRY STORE
I'm so very sorry to learn of Owen's passing. I respected Owen for all the good he did for Currituck. He truly loved our county and cared about improving things. He will be missed. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family as you bear his loss. In sympathy, Janice Aydlett Farr
We pray for comfort for Owen's friends and family at this time. May the Lord bless you with peace and wonderful memories as you reflect on your time together.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Owen. In his roles as both a commissioner and a friend, he was a constant source of support and guidance whenever we reached out. Owen possessed an great knowledge of Currituck’s history. His passing is a loss to our community, the history he shared will not be forgotten. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Rene and his entire loving family. We are truly sorry for your loss.– Greg & Juanita Krause and family
RIP Owen. Condolences to the family.🙏🙏
Owen was a kind,generous and hardworking gentleman. He will surely be missed by all who knew him. Prayers for his loved ones.
Owen. A gentleman farmer, a friend to everyone, and a champion of your cause. Owen held nearly everyone in high regard. He tried to follow Jesus’s example in his sense of right and wrong as much as any man could. He did not accomplish everything he set out to do, but he never gave up. Owen planned for the next meeting until the Lord called him home.
Owen, it is time to rest now. Your work on this earth is complete. Your legacy is formed, and it will be visible for all to see. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your sense of fair play. Thank you for your help and understanding. Thank you for the hard, hard work on behalf of Currituck.
I hope Rene and the family find peace by the grace of God.
We are so sorry for your loss, our prayers and thoughts are with you. Bob and Ruthann. Vorhees
Our hearts are saddened by the news of Owen’s passing. He was many things, including a man of great faith. No doubt he was warmly welcomed into the eternities.
His love for Rene was evident, and we are praying for her to be comforted.
Until we meet again!
Jane… Dave and I are so sad to hear the news about Owen. I know this is such a loss for you and your family. Our prayers are with you all. God bless you sweetie. Much love, Penny and Dave.
Rene, we are so sorry to hear of Owen’s passing. You and family are in our prayers. Much Love to you all!
Mr. Etheridge was a public servant in the strictest sense of the term. I had occasion to engage with him as a citizen, a newspaper columnist and later a County employee, and he always treated me with the utmost of dignity and respect. Many prayers and kind thoughts to his family in this time of bereavement. May he rest in true peace.
We wish to express our deepest sympathy to Commissioner Etheridge’s Family. Owen has been a dedicated supporter of Senior Services through the years. We appreciate all his efforts, countless conversations and kind words.
It is with a very heavy heart that I received this news.
Owen had a loving heart and a deep commitment to helping others succeed. His reach and impact extended far beyond Curituck County and touched lives throughout North Carolina. He was a dear friend, a trusted advisor, and a valued mentor. His presence, wisdom, and friendship will be deeply missed.
My heart goes out to Rene and the entire family during this difficult time. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do to help in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out.
May God bless each and every one of you, and may He grant Owen eternal peace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
On behalf of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Commissioner J. Owen Etheridge.
Commissioner Etheridge’s dedicated service to Currituck County and his commitment to improving the lives of its residents will be remembered with gratitude and respect. His legacy of leadership and public service has left a lasting impact on his community and on county government across North Carolina.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved him during this difficult time.
With sincere sympathy,
Kevin Leonard
Executive Director
North Carolina Association of County Commissioners
Please accept my deepest condolences to the family.
So sorry for your loss.He was a brother in Christ.
Jane and Family, so very sorry to hear the news about Owen. Prayers are with you all and truly sorry for your loss. Love and Hugs, Gail Chappell Hess
you served our county well. thank you
I AM SAD TO SEE THAT OWEN HAS PASSED TOO, SO MANY WE HAVE LET GO TO GOD NOW IN CURRITUCK. OWEN WAS A CALM QUIET SOUL TO ALL & WAS GOOD TO ALL MY FAMILY. I SHALL MISS HIM. I WILL CONTINUE IN PRAYER FOR ALL OF YOU.
GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS,
NANCY D. SNEAD
FORMER OWNER OF THE MILL STONE COUNTRY STORE
THE GRIST MILL COUNTRY STORE
I’m so very sorry to learn of Owen’s passing.
I respected Owen for all the good he did for Currituck. He truly loved our county and cared about improving things. He will be missed.
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family as you bear his loss.
In sympathy,
Janice Aydlett Farr
We pray for comfort for Owen’s friends and family at this time. May the Lord bless you with peace and wonderful memories as you reflect on your time together.