Jimmie "Jim" R Estes

Jim was born on February 11, 1941 to Ross R. Estes and Onlee Smith Estes of Tazewell, TN. Jim accepted Jesus as his Lord and savior earlier in life and joined Youngstown Baptist Church alongside his mother and sister Patsy.

At the young age of sixteen Jim tried to enlist in the military and was turned away because of his age. He returned the following year with a letter of permission from his mother in hand and joined the United States Navy. Jim's enlistment date was February 12, 1958 and he remained in the Navy until his retirement on September 1, 1988. During his thirty years of service Jim reached the ranking of E-9 Master Chief Petty Officer, which only 1.25% of Navy enlisted personal may serve as during a given year.

He served three different tours in the Vietnam War. Jim received many honors and medals during his military career. He received thirteen letters of accommodation. He was an enlisted surface warfare specialist, boatswain mate and a craft master. Some of the outstanding medals he received were the Veteran Service Medal, Korean Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Unit Action and Combat Action Ribbon.

During this time Jim met and married his beloved wife Barbra Ann King on April 16, 1971. To this happy union two sons were born Martin Robert Estes and Michael Christopher Estes. Upon his retirement Jim and Barbara returned to the hills of East TN. Jim spent his days enjoying life with a contagious laugh that everyone around him enjoyed. He loved telling stories about his military days, but his favorite pastime was fishing with his brothers Joe and John. After each fishing trip the brothers would return all telling different versions of their fishing tale! Jim was a master carpenter and wood craftsman. Most of all Jim loved his family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Ross and Onlee Estes. His wife Barbara Ann Estes. Sister and brother-in-law Patsy and Bill Hargrove. Brother Jerry Estes.

He is survived by his brothers Joe (Kathleen) Estes and John (Lisa) Estes both of Tazewell, TN. Nephew James 'Butch' Hargrove of Richmond IN. Nieces Sarah J. Parrott (Tim) of Richmond IN, Kylee R. Agee (Jason), and Kody E. Collingsworth (Jake) both of Tazewell TN. Great nieces Sophia Gail Agee and Mattie Elizabeth Agee both of Tazewell TN, Elizabeth Fouche Wood of Sparks NV, and Emily Jane Fouche of Indianapolis IN. Great nephew Gus Raylan Collingsworth who brought great joy to Jim's heart. Best little friend, his dog Butter Bean.

Private graveside service will be at Liberty Cemetery, with full military honors.

Minister: Rev. Kim Collingsworth

Obituary: Jacob Collingsworth

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.coffeyfh.com for the Estes family.