Obituary of James M. Estep

JAMES M. ESTEP Virginia- James (Jim) Matthew Estep, age 64, passed away at his home in Alexandria, Virginia on Monday, February 4, 2013 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Jim was born on July 30, 1948 in Peoria, Illinois to Richard A. Estep and Lorraine J. Heinz Estep. The family later moved to upstate New York when Jim was in eighth grade. Jim moved to Washington, D.C. in 1966 to attend Georgetown University where he received both his Bachelors in History and his Law Degree. Jim was a dedicated attorney at the Department of Labor for over 40 years where he coauthored the mission statement for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and thereafter devoted his life to developing life-saving standards by finding consensus between union workers, industry, and regulators. Outside of work, Jim was a loving father, brother and friend. Many in the community knew Jim for his devotion to charitable causes, particularly with the Elks. As an active member of Elks Lodge #758 Jim was a PER and PDDGER who spearheaded many community projects that benefitted our troops, the homeless, and disadvantaged youth. Jim is survived in death by his beloved sons James S. Estep and wife Geetha, and Scott M. Estep. He is also survived by former spouse and good-friend Linda Estep, brothers Dan (Jan), Mike (Linda), John (Linda) and younger sister Terri Constant, along with many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Jim is preceded by his parents, his brother Dick, and his brother-in-law Rich. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at St. Ambrose Church in Latham. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alexandria, VA Elks Lodge #758 in memory of James M. Estep, PER, PDDGER ( tinyurl.com/JimboTribute). In addition, a memorial service will be held in Alexandria, Virginia in mid-February, information to follow. For information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.