When the Honorable Michael Brady interviewed Jacob Estes for the job of probation officer in 2001, he knew Estes would be working with kids. And he quickly realized he was hiring an “open, honest and god-fearing man.” Over the years, he saw Estes’ character in action.
Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, Brady stood by his convictions when, with a catch in his throat, he conducted the swearing-in of Jacob A. Estes as Bellefontaine Municipal Court judge. Estes replaces Judge Ann E. Beck, whose age prohibited her from running again.
“He had an incredible impact on children,” Brady, who retired as a Logan County judge in 2015, told a packed courtroom. “I’m proud to administer the oath of office to Jacob.”
Besides being a Logan County Juvenile Court probation officer for two years, Estes also worked as a parole officer for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction from 2003-2013. At the same time, he was earning his law degree.
Estes graduated with honors from Capital University Law School, and, after passing the bar exam, joined the MacGillivray Law Firm in 2014. Eventually, he partnered with Linda MacGillivray to form MacGillivray & Estes, LLP, where he focused on criminal, family and probate law.
But his 20-year dream was to be a judge, and that came true on May 2, 2023, when he won the primary Republican election. Though he ran unopposed in the November general election, Estes had to wait almost eight months to, finally, don that black robe.
Family, friends and supporters filled the courtroom Thursday afternoon to standing room only. Besides Brady, remarks were given by Honorable Kim Kellogg-Martin, Logan County Court of Common Pleas Family Court judge, and Honorable Patrick Fisher, Ohio Supreme Court justice.
“This is a huge deal for this family,” Kellogg-Martin said. Describing Estes as a man with a “strong faith” who is “uniquely qualified” for the job, she also stated he’s someone who “knows how to motivate people.”
Fisher shared what it takes to be a judge—commitment, wisdom, integrity, peace, truth, justice, honor, reason, equity, compassion and honesty—qualities he believes Estes has. While admitting he’s not a “religious person,” Fisher said the biblical book of Micah gives a good description of a judge.
“He must do justice, he must love mercy, and he must walk humbly with his God,” Fisher concluded.
Estes, whose term begins Jan. 1, 2024, thanked his family for their support. His wife, Jennifer (Boy), and three children—Maddie, Grace and A.J.—along with his parents, Dennis and Brenda Estes, were all in attendance Thursday.
Jennifer (Boy) Estes holds the Bible as her husband, Jacob A. Estes, is sworn in to be the next Bellefontaine Municipal Court judge. Retired Logan County Judge Michael Brady, who interviewed Estes to be a probation officer in 2001, administered the oath of office. Estes’ term will commence Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (EXAMINER PHOTO | SHARYN KOPF)