James R. "Jim" Estell

James R. "Jim" Estell, 74, of Mooreland, died Thursday evening, Nov.r 12, 2009 at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie following an extended illness.

He was born Jan. 14, 1935 in Henry County, to the late John Henry and Nona Bell Jackson Estell.

Mr. Estell was a shop foreman and retired in 1993 from Lift-A-Loft Industry in Cowan after nearly 30 years.

He enjoyed the outdoors, especially boating, camping and fishing. He loved to watch NASCAR and the Colts on TV. When he was younger, he loved to race go-carts

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Roberta J. West Estell, whom he married on Feb. 14, 1953; four daughters, Cheryl and husband Burl Dudley of Fillmore, Terri Nicholas of Spiceland, Debbie Sharp and companion Doug Shaneyfelt of Greensboro, Nancy Estell Kenny of New Castle; two sisters, Ruth and husband Doug Jackson of Springport and Lillian Ritchie of Middletown; nine grandchildren, Leslee Brown and fiancée Pat McKenna, Kim and husband Steve Gauck, Brandi Carnes, Matt and wife Carla Carnes, Alex Carnes, Jeremy Sharp, Ashley Sharp, Chelsea Kenny, and Kyle Kenny; a stepgrandchild, Karen and husband Rob Modlin; great-grandchildren, Cierra Brown, Zac Baldock, Blade Brown, Christopher Gauck, Addie Gauck, and Emilee McKenna; and stepgrandchildren, Ryan, Devin and Shaina Nickelson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Junior Estell, Richard Estell, Howard Estell, Cecil Estell and Paul Estell; his father-in-law, Vere West; mother-in-law, Pauline West; brother-in-law, Kenneth Ritchie and sons-in-law, Larry Sharp and Jerry Nicholas.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Main & Davis Funeral Home, Astor Main Blue River Chapel, located halfway between Mt. Summit and Mooreland on SR 36. Burial will follow in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday and one hour prior to the funeral on Monday at the funeral home.