Jim Estes, 81, was born in Portland, Ore., and lived in Lake Oswego and later in Aurora. He attended Central Catholic High School and University of Portland. He died March 26, 2012.
Jim lived his life with a real "zest-for-living" attitude. He loved speed and therefore loved fast cars, fast motorcycles, fast boats, fast airplanes and fast skiing. He cherished the time he spent in Sun Valley, getting up to "work" on his turns. He loved summer skiing on Mount Hood, and the après ski in the parking lot. He was very proud of his Mooney and flew all over the United States, Canada and Mexico. We called his plane "Grandpa's Red Rocket." He was a member of the Schnee Vogeli Ski Club and the Sun Valley Ski Club.
Jim is survived by his two sons, Mark Estes (Marsha) and Matthew Estes, and his two daughters, Nancy Hoyt (Jim) and Susie Jansky (Andy). Jim had nine grandchildren: Jenna and Molly Jansky; Tyler and Ryan Hoyt; and Julie, Steven, Kirstin, Allison and Josh Estes. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to beloved friends Luiza Hughes and Scott Koppang for their continuing devotion to Dad/Grandpa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elwood Estes and Sue O'Neil; his brother, Mark Estes; his ex-wife Jean Estes; and his daughter Barbara Estes.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. April 4, at the Finley Sunset Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary, 6801 S.W. Sunset Highway in Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations to Friends of Timberline are suggested.
