A dedication to caring for the elderly began when James Estes joined his mother in 1959 and lasted nearly 25 years when he was involved in the management and ownership of skilled nursing homes across Alabama. He is the former President and CEO of Estes Health Care Centers, Inc. which operated throughout Alabama. Always active in assuring quality care for seniors, James has served as President of the Alabama Nursing Home Association along with many other position in the Association. James and his late wife Mary Ellen Estes built a Senior Community Center at Heardmont Park in Shelby County to continue their legacy and commitment to the Senior Community even after their retirement from the Nursing Home Industry. James made such an impact on his family in caring for the Senior population that the 4th generation of his family continues serving in the Nursing Home Industry.
His commitment to the fight against cancer evolved after having lost family members to the disease and having celebrated remission and recovery himself. Mr. Estes and his family were instrumental in bringing the Cancer Center to Tuscaloosa at DCH hospital. James has also provided significant resources needed to accelerate research aimed at new cancer treatments. Mr. Estes and his family have supported several cancer research initiatives at UAB over the years, including the Estes Research Fund for Ovarian Cancer, and the James H. Estes Family Endowed Chair for Lung Cancer Research.
Mr. Estes is preceded in death by his parents Eulie and Bertha Estes and his first wife, Mary Ellen Estes.
He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Patricia Ann Estes; children, J. Norman Estes (Rebecca), David A. Estes, Larry R. Estes, Julie Estes Whitehorn (Richard), Resa Cancro (Gerard), and Jim Reddick (Lisa); sister, Luverne Storey; and grandchildren, Jennifer Estes Agee (Brandon), James Norman Estes Jr. (Charlotte), Andy Estes, Taylor Estes, Jessica Estes Leapard (Garrett), Amanda Estes Glassco (Daniel), Melody Estes, Maegan Estes, Madison Estes, Blake Burchfield, Colby Burchfield, Reagan Cancro, and many loved great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Mr. Estes’ life will be at Southern Heritage Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 9th at 2pm with visitation beginning at 12 noon. The family will gather for a private graveside committal following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, 210 H Wallace Tumor Institute, 1720 2nd Avenue S., Birmingham, AL 35294.
The Estes family would like to say a special thank you to all of the Physicians and Care Givers that provided excellent care at the end of his life.
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