James "Jim" Norman Estes

October 9, 1942 – May 18, 2025

James “Jim” Norman Estes passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, in Sedona, Arizona. He was 82 years old.

Born in Hollywood, California, on October 9, 1942, and also raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Jim lived a life defined by tenacity, generosity, and a deep sense of compassion for others. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard Special Forces during the Vietnam War, carrying that same sense of duty and resilience into every chapter of his life.

Jim spent much of his professional career in the trucking industry, serving as a Teamsters Union Organizer for Local 952 and later as a Business Representative for Teamsters Local 396. Throughout his career, he was a tireless advocate for workers’ rights—always championing the cause of those who felt unheard.

He had a deep love for music, movies, and USC football, and was rarely seen without a tune in his head or a story to tell. His fierce devotion to the underdog extended beyond people to animals as well. A lifelong advocate for animal rescue, Jim opened his heart and home to countless Pekingese dogs. Alongside his beloved wife, Ava, he fostered many and adopted twelve, all of whom were deeply cherished.

In his Sedona community, Jim served as an HOA representative for over a decade, known for his diligence, fairness, and quiet leadership. He approached every role in life with strength, unwavering loyalty, and a deep kindness that touched everyone who knew him.

Jim is survived by his cousins, Jil Estes, Steve Van Dusen, and Michael Van Dusen; and by his wife Ava’s sons, Todd Hepner and Troy Hepner. He was preceded in death by his soulmate, Ava Estes, and their twelve beloved pets.

In accordance with Jim’s wishes, no formal services will be held. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the Southern Nevada Beagle Rescue Foundation, 285 Irvin Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89183, or at southernnevadabeaglerescue.com, in honor of his lifelong dedication to animals in need.

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