James Estes

James Harley "Jamie" Estes, 81, originally of Cape Girardeau, died Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, at his home in Elburn, Ill.

He was born July 21, 1930, in Missouri, to Harley S. Estes and Cleopatra J. White.

Jamie grew up in Charleston. Mo., and attended Charleston High School and Southeast Missouri State University where he played football and forged friendships that would last his entire life.

While in college, Jamie met Beverly Jane Causino. They married Jan. 30, 1952, living most of their lives in Cape Girardeau.

During his college years, Jamie proudly served his country as a Seabee in the U.S. Navy.

After graduating from college, Jamie began a successful career as an entrepreneur and business owner in Southeast Missouri. For several years Jamie owned and operated Saveway Oil Co., Par Gas, Courtesy Cleaners and Cape Central Airways. During his professional career, Jamie also found time to serve as president of Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents. He was an accomplished pilot most of his life. He also loved to golf and spend time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Cleo Estes, and a sister, Frieda Estes Bridgeman.

Survivors: Jamie was a loving husband to his wife, Beverly; father to Libby; brother to Jerry; and grandfather "Papa" to Zack and Nick.

As was the case in life, Jamie's unlimited generosity was evident in his death, making a gift/donating his body to science (Anatomical Gift Registry) in an effort to help those in the medical profession learn and assist others.