James L. Serpa, 80, died Friday, June 25, 2010 at his home in Buzzards Bay. He was the husband of Lois H. (Cabana) Serpa.

Born in Wareham, Mr. Serpa attended Wareham schools. He was the son of the late Manual A. & Mabel F. (Colville) Serpa. A previous resident of Oregon and Washington State, he moved back to Wareham in 1997.

Mr. Serpa served in the military for 24 years. Beginning his service with the U.S. Navy, he served on board the USS. Ellyson (DD-454) and the USS. Bennington (CVS-20). He then entered the U.S. Coast Guard serving on board the USCGC Winona (WHEC-65) and the USCGC Northwind (WAGB-282) conducting Bering Sea patrols and ice breaking duties. He was Chief Master of Arms at USCG Air Station, Port Angeles, WA and retired as Chief Petty Officer. After retiring from the Coast Guard, Mr. Serpa worked for Washington Natural Gas for 19 years retiring in 1991.

He was a life member of V.F.W. Post # 3970 in Sutherlin, Oregon.

Survivors include his wife; his son, Christopher Jones of Renton, WA; his brother, Richard Serpa of Citrus Heights, CA; his sisters, Ruth Dickman of Fairbanks, AK and Margaret Miller of Ledyard, CT and five grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, the late Belinda Cribben.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 30 at the Mass. National Cemetery, Bourne at 11:15 a.m. Visiting hours have been omitted.

Donations in his memory may be made to MSPCA-Angell, ATTN: Donations, 350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130. Arrangements by Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Wareham. For directions and on-line guestbook visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com