CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — James Robert "Jim" Serbin, 76, of Cape Canaveral, Fla., was "cleared for his final take off" in the early morning hours on July 4, 2012, after an extended illness at the Cape Canaveral Hospital, with his loving wife, Sandy, and daughter, Kim, by his side.
Jim was brought into this world during an early season snowstorm on Oct. 4, 1935, the son of Helvi (Stenback) Serbin and Evard Serbin, in Hurley, Wis. Jim spent the school year in Duluth, Minn. His summers were spent growing up in the "North Country" of Manitowish Waters, Wis., under the watchful eyes of his maternal grandparents, Frank and Olga Stenback, and nurturing aunts, Eila Stenback and Esther (Uhro/Kayo) Karjala. He learned to appreciate nature and enjoyed the family's summer retreat on beautiful Rest Lake.
Jim began to live the military lifestyle after he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in March 1955, "to proudly serve his country, saving lives." His family traveled from coast to coast, including North Carolina, Oregon, Florida and Alaska. Jim retired in August 1976, at the rank of Senior Chief in Traverse City, after having a decorated career as a helicopter and airplane search and rescue crew member and mechanic. Jim began his second career shortly afterwards, establishing Double Tee Aviation. He put his skills as a private pilot, licensed Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic, and Aircraft Inspector's certification to work in civilian aircraft sales and maintenance.
Jim enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing, boating, snow skiing and the thrill of ski jumping, and even water-skiied the year he turned 70, to the amazement of all who witnessed such a feat at that stage in his life.
On Dec. 7, 1984, Jim and Sandy (Jarvis) were united in marriage. After selling Double Tee, they moved to Florida to enjoy the warmer winters. They continued spending their summers at Rest Lake until just a couple years ago, when travel became more of a challenge for Jim.
Sandy's incredible love and devotion for Jim has been inspirational for all who have been witness to her caregiving, especially in the last few years.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Sandy; daughter, Kim West (Jim); son, Rob (Peggy Day); their mother, Ida Mae Serbin; step-daughters, Debi Whaley, Wendy (Phil) Konyndyk, Cindy Whaley-Stowe; grandchildren, Jessica and Michael Meyer, Erin (Vic) Lane, Anne (Josh) Rollo, Jon, Sarah (Jayson) Johnson, Brennan, and Grace Moreland, Ryan and Trevor Engwis, Sierra Lyon, Aaron Carpenter, Maverick and Wyatt Curry; and multiple great-grandchildren as well.
The Serbin family would like to thank all the caregivers who attended to "Papa Bear" over the years, including the staff at the Mayo Clinic in both Rochester and Jacksonville; all dad's doctors; the staff at the Health Center of Merritt Island/Rehabilitation Center; and at the end, Dr. Robert Udell and the incredibly caring staff at the ER, 2nd, and 7th floors at Cape Canaveral Hospital.
Services will be planned at a later date in both Manitowish Waters, Wis., and in Traverse City.
The family is being assisted by Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care of Melbourne, Fla.
Obituaries
July 10, 2012
James R. 'Jim' Serbin
- Obituaries
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- Agnes Elida Anderson Hardy
- Melissa Ann (Cherry) Scanlon
- Anthony Michael 'Mike' Lazarus
- James 'Jim' John Griffin
- Matthew Robert Rieschl
- May 16, 2013
- Robert Louis Cox
- Judith Ann (Morris) Jenne
- Richard Gene Cypher
- Eleanor May Niergarth
- Jazeps P. Ziemelis
- May 15, 2013
- Richard Lee 'Bear' Ingersoll
- Ethel W. Ehrenberger
- Emerald Magee
- Rex Harris (Papa) Nevins
- Kristi Flory
- Fred Nelson Potter
- May 14, 2013
- Emerald A. Magee
- Ruth Marie (Rolfe) Rutter
- Linda Jorgensen
- Gaye Leigh Bobier Matta
- May 12, 2013
- William Earl Beechraft
- Marjorie B. (Backus) Randazzo
- Oretha Valena Ham
- Billy E. Hanel
- Sharon Ann Kendall
