The family of James (Jim) Robert Serbin welcomes friends to a memorial service celebrating Jim’s life to be held in Traverse City at the Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens, 3575 Veterans Drive, at 1:00 on August 30th, 2012.

Jim was born October 4th, 1935 in Hurley, Wisconsin and went to a better place early in the morning of July 4th, 2012 at the Cape Canaveral Hospital in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Jim enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1955 to proudly serve his country, saving lives. After having a decorated career as a helicopter and airplane search and rescue crew member and mechanic, he retired from Air Station Traverse City August 1, 1976. Jim will be recognized at the memorial by a Coast Guard Color Guard.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Sandy (Jarvis), daughter Kim West (Jim), son Rob (Peggy Day), their mother, Ida Mae Serbin, step daughters Debi Whaley, Wendy Konyndyk (Phil), Cindy Whaley- Stowe, 14 grand children, and multiple great-grand children.

He was preceded in death by his parents Helvi (Stenback) and Evard Serbin, nurturing Aunts Eila Stenback and Esther (Uhro/Kayo) Karjala, and Violet Stenback.

The family is being assisted by Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care of Melbourne, Florida.

Rest in peace “Papa Bear.” The Fourth of July will forever have special meaning.