James ‘Jim’ Serine, Jr.

James ‘Jim’ Serine Jr., 72, of Durham, NC, passed away on April 5, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of coaching and laughter.

Jim was born in Dunmore, PA on March 26, 1952 to parents Rose and Jim Serine Sr. where he grew up with his twin brothers, Harry and Sam, and his sister, Rose. Jim was an avid athlete and weight lifter who attended Mansfield University where he played baseball. It was at Mansfield where he met his soon-to-be wife of 46 years, Marie Finnegan. Jim and Marie have three children, Angie, Julie and Jimmy III, and four grandchildren, Victoria, Makayla, James IV and Millie. He developed a best friend of late in Teddy, his beloved golden doodle.

Jim was a dedicated school teacher who had a long career coaching high school athletics. He began coaching men’s basketball at Cardinal Gibbons High School from 1976-77. He moved on to coach football, baseball, track, and basketball at East Wake High School from 1978-1990. He then coached Varsity women’s basketball at Cary High School from 1993 - 1996. He finished out his education career at Green Hope High School. Coach Serine invested countless hours leading young men and women to become the best version of themselves possible.

Jim is survived by his wife Marie Serine, his older sister Rose Musti, and his children Julie Martinez (Victor and grandchildren, Victoria and Makayla) and Jimmy Serine III (Laura and grandchildren, James IV and Millie).

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Rose and James Serine Sr, his older brothers Harry and Sam Serine, and his daughter Angie Serine.

There will be a celebration of life on Saturday April 13th from 2-4pm at the Durham Exchange at ReCity, 112 Broadway St, Durham, NC 27701. Attire will be casual. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

A funeral is planned for Saturday, June 1st in Scranton, PA. Specific details will be put out at a later time.