James “Jim” Arthur Estep, Jr.
March 17, 1956 - September 27, 2025
James “Jim” Arthur Estep, Jr., age 69, of Middletown, Delaware passed away Saturday, September 27, 2025. Born in Huntington, West Virginia on March 17, 1956, he was the son of the late James Arthur Sr. and Wanda Lou Rucker Estep.
Jim retired from CSC in December 2023 after 15 years of working with the company, where he was responsible for maintaining client relationships. He served as risk management consultant, strategic account manager, director of SAMs, and leader of client satisfaction. He enjoyed working with people, assisting with their needs and building strong working relationships. Prior to his work at CSC, he worked in sales.
Jim was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he was an active member of the Smyrna ward. He served faithfully over many years in a variety of callings including Elder’s quorum president, Sunday School president and bishop of the Smyrna ward, as well as 2nd counselor in the Dover Delaware Stake presidency. He devoted his life to loving and serving others in his own Christ-like way. Jim’s gentle spirit and kind heart led him to be involved in many service opportunities, as he always looked for ways to lend a helping hand. He possessed a steady, calm demeanor even through challenging or stressful moments.
Jim loved traveling with his wife to their favorite destination spot, Saint Martin. Jim was always excited to meet new people in new places and strike up a conversation. He enjoyed the warm sunshine, beautiful beaches, and friendly hospitality.
Jim adored his family. He was a proud older brother to his sister, Cindy, and maintained a close relationship with her throughout his life. Jim loved his wife, Adele dearly. He was her soulmate and lived each day to love, serve and protect her. He was also a proud father to Fernando, loving him whole-heartedly and raising him to be the best version of himself. His presence at every football game or wrestling match, despite his busy schedule, showed his dedication to his son. It was also important to Jim to teach his son to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, in word and in deed. Jim especially loved being with his grandchildren. Whether attending their school concerts, dance performances or sporting events, he was their biggest cheerleader and greatest fan. Jim took great pride in his family, and was eager to tell others about them. His family was his greatest joy and love in life.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Adele Dru Estep, his son Fernando (Heather) and three beautiful grandchildren James, Madalyn and Hannah of Elkton, MD, and his sister Cindy O’Grady (Bill) of The Villages, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Arthur Sr. and Wanda Estep.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 10:30 am on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Dover Stake center, 237 West Lebanon Road, Dover DE 19901-6251, where a memorial service will begin at 11:00 am. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Humanitarian Aid fund by clicking here.
Yazmin Hernandez
My heart goes out to you, your mom, and the whole family during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss. I know there are no words that can take away the pain, but please know you are not alone. I’m keeping you all in my prayers, asking God to give you comfort, peace, and strength. I love you all
David Gilardi
Jim,
You will be missed dearly. Thank you for your unwavering guidance, for your kindness and for the role you played in shaping me and so many others into better people. Your legacy lives on in the lives you’ve touched.
Lynette Shepherd
My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you lay Jim to rest and navigate the days ahead without him on this earth. Jim was such an amazing influence on so many of us at CSC. His thoughtful and kind nature was absolutely contagious, and he truly impacted the way I interact with people in my life. His legacy lives on in the kindness he inspired in others.
God bless Jim, and God bless you all.
Cheryl Bibbee Chapman
Jim and I went thru school together from Cross Lanes Elem in WV, Nitro Hr and Senior high. He was the sweetest boy ever. As we grew up and went separate ways, we would touch base whenever possible. I am sure his loving family is missing him so much! My thoughts and prayers are with you as Jim was highly thought of in our community years ago and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
John Talley
I offer my most sincere condolences for your family’s loss. Jim was a wonderful, kind, gentle soul who was a blessing to everone who knew him.
Gary Bennett
So sorry to hear of your passing Big Jim. Comfort his loved one’s Lord Jesus, as only you can.
Layo Adedapo
May His Gentle Rest In the Bossom Of Our Heavenly Father. Thank You For All the teachings at Sunday School. I really enjoy every session of it.
Brenda Keeley
Dearest Jim Estep: I know the doors to Heaven opened with joy and celebration as you entered dear friend. Your wisdom and love was felt by so many immediately. Your family and friends will miss you every day, but you will continue doing God’s work until you gather again. Mike and I love you
Mary Wolfe
Adele, my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your amazing husband. I know he will be sorely missed. Much love, Chris and Mary Wolfe
Sheila Palmer
Greetings to the Estep Family,
I send my condolences in the transition Mr. James Estep. May you be comforted by our Heavenly Father. Jesus
Dashawn Lawson
Praying for your family but don’t know you but I will come and support him 😞🙏
Charlene Cox
Sending prayers to the family. Jim was a wonderful person and will be missed.
Larry and Monica Harrison
To our dear friend, Jim Estep, your calm demeanor, warm smile and mild manner always touched our hearts. You easily recognized a need and always tried to fulfill it with so much love. Our heartfelt condolences go to your family and friends who will miss you greatly. I am grateful for the deep faith in Jesus Christ that gives so much comfort to us and to your faithful family. Love you Jim; you will be missed until we meet again at Jesus feet.
Jay Lee
Just a few memories and thoughts.
You were the first person I really talked to that I thought was really connected to the gospel of Jesus Christ. It just felt so different to me. Brother Benson and you answered the call when Vertie broke her leg, and we wanted a blessing. When Joseph was born into this world, and I thought I wouldn’t be able to do the blessing the NICU I asked you to come and you did. As we washed our hands before entering, I explained Jospeh’s state and you said with a smile “Brother Jay, I’ve done this before.” Which made us both chuckle. You were there for my re-baptism and conducted for me. An amazing guide, teacher, and friend you will missed by my family and me.
Till the next life when we meet again.
Nicole Churchill
Brother Estep and Sister Estep were my young womens leaders when I was a teenage, I know being our leaders was a hard job, but they never gave up on us and always guided us the best they could. His kind heart and gentle ways will always be remembered.
Kent Jordan
Sincere condolences to all of the Estep family on the passing of a truly wonderful man whose commitment to following the Savior was complete and unfailing. Jim will continue to be a powerful influence for good on all who knew him.
Donna Lane
Estep Family you have my deepest condolences. I am truly sorry for your loss. I met brother Estep at my first Bible class. He spoke very knowledgeable, which made me wanna listen even more calm always with a smile on his face. It was such a pleasure knowing him. I know when he gets to his heavenly destination, he will do great start teaching all over again. I know your family‘s gonna miss him, but knowing he’s going to continue on to do his heavenly duties should be a great pleasure to you you know he’s gonna be fine. I wish I got to know I’m a little longer because he was full with so much knowledge and was very easy to learn from and I appreciated that. Thank you so much for sharing your husband and father. My prayers and thoughts are with you sincerely.
Bruce and Kristin Williams
Dear, dear Adele and Family,
We are so sad about James’passing. We know that he had a difficult time these past months. What a bad time for you, both! He was always, an up eat person and seemed to love everyone that he met. We are so sorry for this great loss to you, your family, and all of us. Our prayers are with you, as you move forward in this new chapter of your life.
Our love,
Bruce and Kris Williams
Joel Blackburn
Jim was an absolute delight to work with and I was so sorry to hear of his passing. He was kind, he was thoughtful, and he navigated complex business situations with grace and creativity. I’m so thankful I had him as a rep for so many years and I miss the visits and conversations we had. I didn’t meet his sweet family but I know even from a distance how much they meant to him. Prayers for all involved.
Janet Smith
My heartfelt condolences for your loss. Jim was such a warm compassionate man, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Thelma Sanga
I am sorry to hear about Brother Estep’s passing and would like to add my voice to the cry of condolences. Brother Estep was indeed a kind soul, proudly serving the Lord.
Brother Estep, you were a blessing to my family, shining your light in dark crevices of our lives/hearts and allowing us to feel the Love of Christ (through you) when we most needed. Brother Estep may you rest in peace with your Father in Heaven!
Vicki Birmingham
Dear Adele and Family, So very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim was one of the most kind, sweet, and thoughtful man I have ever met. When mom and I came to visit so many years ago, we had a wonderful time, and treasured the memory. Jim will be missed, but never forgotten. Love and Prayers to you and the family.
Gary Frick
It was a very sad day when Adele called to say that Jim had passed. He was my longtime friend of 50 years. I will remember Jim fir his kindness, thoughtfulness, his understanding heart and his good humor. God bless you and may you rest in peace Jim. We love you Adele, Fernando and family. Gary and Nancy
Barb Christman
I knew Jim as a work friend at CSC. He was always so kind and supportive. When I told him I was retiring, he shared that his time was close too. I’m just so sad that he didn’t get to enjoy it very long here on earth but he’s been called home to his eternal retirement with our savior Jesus Christ.
With love, Barb Christman
Stacey Faust
I will forever hold dear how you taught me and others. You and Adele were there for me at various times and you, good sir, are a friend forever to my husband, Mike. We love you, we miss you, but we will meet again someday when our purpose here on earth in mortality has been fulfilled.