James Arden Estep

James Arden Estep, 79, of Big Flats, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 12, 2015.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at St. Vincent De Paul Parish, 222 Dodge Avenue in Corning, at 2:00 PM. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Jim was born May 3, 1936, in Corning, NY, to Howard and Catherine (Beach) Estep. Jim married Karen (Hussey), his wife of 54 years, and they raised their family in houses he built in Big Flats, NY and on Keuka Lake. Jim studied books borrowed from his local library to teach himself the skills needed to build his houses and he became a master craftsman. Jim retired from Schweizer Aircraft Corporation after 51 years of service, having performed a number of roles building sailplanes, crop dusters and helicopters. He loved complex problem solving at work and at home, yet he knew when to sit down and enjoy nature and the beautiful sunsets on Keuka Lake. He was kind and humble; he enjoyed mentoring family and friends as well as the younger generations at work and in the neighborhoods he lived; seeing exciting possibilities ahead of them. More than anything else, he always found the good in others and was more interested in listening than speaking. We will miss his quiet and contemplative self but the lessons he taught and the guidance he provided will always be with us. His love will live forever in our hearts.

Jim is remembered by his wife, Karen; his children, Suzanne and Lynette; grandchildren, Emma and Grace; sons in law, Tod and Ian; brothers, Bill and Howie; family and friends; and all those who benefited from his teachings. Jim was predeceased by his brothers, Lee, Marty, and Floyd.

Memorial donations may be made in Jim's name to the Finger Lakes Museum & Aquarium, P.O. Box 96, Keuka Park, NY 14478.

Jim's family entrusted his care to Arnot Health and Haughey Funeral Home, Inc.