James "Jim" H. Estes

KEATCHIE, LA - The soul of James Harold Estes was embraced by its Maker in death this week after eighty-six years of life. Known by his friends as Jim, he was preceded in death by his wife, Tim (Thelma Marie Lightfoot), whose words best express their lives\' lesson to the rest of us: \"To love and be loved is like being warmed by the sun on both sides.\" He is survived by three sons, James H. Estes, II (Jamie) and his wife, Shirley, of Ruidosa, NM; Craig A. Estes and his wife Rosemary of Austin, TX; Mark D. Estes and his wife Linda, also of Austin, TX; four grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. Born in Dawson, AL, November 15, 1929, he served his country in the USAF and was transferred in 1950 to Barksdale, AFB; thereafter, making Shreveport his home. Jim was known by many as the consummate salesman. Such men are born salesmen, not made salesmen -- only made better by their integrity. Jim was variously known by others as a wholesale distributer of toiletries, health and beauty aids; downtown retailer; bank chairman; pre-owned car dealer; and most passionately, a Beefmaster cattle breeder. His final conscious encounter in the Spirit, shared with family and his excellent caregivers, best characterizes his merciful epitaph, phrased as a question rather than a statement: \"Can you wonder why I love Him so?\" Long ago, Job, chapter 28, answered that question, encompassing and transcending both life and death:There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture\'s eye hath not seen: Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding? Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air. Unto man [God] said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. Jim was a founding member of King\'s Temple United Pentecostal Church founded by Pastors Mike and Glenda Hudspeth, retired. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at Rose-Neath Southside Chapel. Interment will immediately follow at Forest Park West Cemetery. Rev. Leon Laney will be officiating. Visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Southside Funeral Home.