James B. Estes

Jim worked hard alongside his father and older brother, Joe, on the family farm tending to beef and dairy cattle, numerous other livestock as well as a great number of crops. He had one older sister, Delphia and a younger sister, Jimmie Sue. As a teenager he enjoyed hunting with his dog Old Smokey and going into town to watch movies. Jim attended West Plains High School.

Jim joined the United States Navy in 1956 as soon as he turned seventeen. He went on to serve for twenty-two years and saw two tours in Vietnam. During his time as a sailor he specialized in visual communications and advanced lookout systems as a Chief Signalman. Jim was honorably discharged and reached the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

In 1980 he united in marriage with Martina Ay-Ayen Agnis, whose three daughters, Agnes, Grace and Christina, he raised as dearly as his own. Their union was blessed with a fourth daughter, Angela. They often spent time as a family sightseeing on long car rides, making big breakfasts on the weekends, and tending to house chores while listening to music.

Jim started a construction business and went on to build numerous office, retail and residential buildings around San Diego County. He was always working with his hands, building and fixing anything that needed to be built or fixed around the house, and even at friend’s and neighbor’s houses. He lived for being able to share his knowledge and know-how. Jim was an incredibly neat and tidy person and took much pride in keeping his house, lawn and vehicles in tip top shape.

He enjoyed life and was a very passionate person who loved to talk. He would have a conversation with whomever he came in contact with. His favorite pastimes were reading, telling stories and taking road trips. He had a tenacious yet caring disposition and a get-it-done attitude that afforded him many personal and career successes. His most prized treasures though were his grandchildren who brought him so much joy and laughter later in his life.

James B. Estes departed this life on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at the age of seventy-six, with his family at his side. At his request, he will be cremated and his ashes will be scattered at sea by the US Navy.

He leaves to cherish his memory: wife Martina Estes; four daughters, Agnes Manning, Grace Umbenhaur (Kirk Umbenhaur), Christina Mathews (Rogers Mathews) and Angela Estes (Regan Russell); six grandchildren, Connor Umbenhaur, Allison Umbenhaur, Rogers Mathews Jr., Ava Mathews, Miles Mathews and Nicolas Mathews; two sisters, Delphia Erceil Hopkins and Jimmie Sue Branson (Harold Branson); and a host of beloved step-grandchildren, in-laws, nephews, nieces and friends.