James Ransome Estes Sr.

Rev. James Ransome Estes Sr “Bro. Jim to most”, passed away Wednesday, January 5, 2022 peacefully at his home in Houston, TX. He was born on Nov 5, 1921 in Middlesboro, KY to the late Squire and Mary Crabtree Estes. He was a loyal preacher for almost 40 years in The Church of God of The Union Assembly and proudly pastored our small hometown church in Tomball, TX for the majority of those years. He worked as a painter and wallpaper hanger. He honorably served his country in the United States Army during World War II as cook and medic and was in The Battle of the Buldge.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Minnie “Totsie” Estes after 67 years of marriage; his parents Squire and Mary Estes; brothers Doug, Jake and Bufford Estes; sisters Gertrude “Tootsie” Friar, Henrietta McDonald, Sadie Flemming and Elizabeth Dunn; son James Estes Jr; son in laws Rev. Larry Ledford, Rev. Murray McClure, and Nelson Seawright; granddaughter Shana Smith and great grandson Chance Sramek. He is survived by his daughters Rena McClure and Sandra Seawright; daughter in law Rebecca Estes; grandchildren Anita Cassell, Janann Rena Estes, Mark Seawright, Gene (Stephanie) Seawright and Sam (Christi) Augustine III; great-grandchildren Hannah Cassell, Layla Smith, Devaney and Tyller Seawright, Cameron Seawright, Daniel and Ashley Fenske, Colleen and Dustin Augustine; sister Mary Jane Van Meter; and many extended family and friends.

As another limb has fallen from our family tree, I know he wouldn’t want us to grieve for him but to remember the good times and the great life God blessed him with. James was a hard-working, honest, loving, forgiving and a Godly man. He loved all the dogs he had over the years. He enjoyed watching Westerns and game shows. He enjoyed telling stories of his life and family to anyone that would listen and we are blessed to be a part of some of those wonderful stories. We will forever cherish our precious memories of James. We honor him today for the life he lived and the example he was for his family. We will forever be saddened now with not being able to pick up the phone to call him for prayer because he was definitely one that could reach our Lord in time of need. We will always love and remember him as there was no other like him and no one can ever replace him in our hearts. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

Family and friends will gather on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 from 11:00 am to 12:15 pm at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038 to remember Rev. James Estes Sr with services to honor him from 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm with Rev. Paul Smith and Rev. Terry Clemmons officiating. Family and friends will have committal service from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm to lay this great man to rest at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.

Pallbearers: Anita and Hannah Cassell, Layla Smith, Sam and Dustin Augustine, Gene and Cameron Seawright, and Blake Smith

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AmericanHeritageFuneralHome.com for the Estes family.