James Thomas Estes

James Thomas Estes, 77, of Ash Flat, Arkansas passed away in a Batesville, Arkansas hospital. He was born in Hanford, California and grew up to be working in excavation by drilling and blasting in Alaska after serving in the United States Army.

Known as "Jim" or "Tom" (depending on which side of the family or where in the world he might have been), James Thomas Estes was an actively sincere member of the Masonic Lodge and enjoyed riding horses and raising Angus beef cattle. He was also an avid reader of western literature. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Daniel and Phoeba Thomas Estes; a sister, Cecelia; and a daughter, Sarah Marie.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Bettie Marie Hardwick Estes; two sons, James Douglas Estes and Thomas Scott Estes; three grandchildren: Isaiah (Kailey), Betty, and James; a great-grandchild, Zarah; many other relatives and good friends.

Memorial visitation of family and friends will be Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Tri-County Funeral Home, 1540 Hwy. 62/412, Highland, AR 72542.