Whitetail deer and big game animals around the world breathe a little easier today as James ("Jim") B. Estes, 81, passed away on Monday, October 30, 2017 at the Big Bend Hospice House, Tallahassee.

A lifelong outdoorsman and admirer of God's creation, Jim was born on May 4, 1936 in Pensacola, FL. He grew up in the Milton-Bagdad area, worked in the family timber business, graduated from the University of Florida with his master's degree in agricultural science, and served citizens and farmers as the Franklin County Director for the IFAS Extension Service in the Apalachicola Bay area for 30 years. He stayed active in retirement, spending much of his time outdoors in his favorite pursuits, hunting and fishing. Jim was a voracious reader of history, politics, and adventure. He and his wife traveled the world and experienced firsthand the places he enjoyed reading about.

Jim is survived by his wife, Joyce Shannon Estes; his children, James Barry Estes, Jr. and wife, Mary, Cynthia Estes Downs and husband, Rick; his stepdaughter, Dee Wesley Allen and husband, Rod; his stepsons, Bobby Wesley and wife, Nedra, John Shannon Wesley; his brother, John Estes and wife, Faye; his eight grandchildren, Brandon Downs, Shelby Downs, Capri Wesley, Shannon Allen, Sarah Allen, Jaime Estes, Devin Estes, and Courtney Allen.

He is also survived by many nieces, a nephew, and cousins whom he loved.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph Jefferson and Katharine Barry Estes, and his son, Ernest Ralph Estes.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, November 2, 2017 at noon Central, (one o'clock Eastern) at the family cemetery, 10439 Goodrange Drive, Harold, Florida 32583.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests charitable contributions may be made to the Saint George Island United Methodist Church, Friends of the Franklin County Library, or Big Bend Hospice of Tallahassee.