James H. Stearns Jr

Retired Master Chief Petty Officer James H. Stearns Jr., beloved husband of the late Rita F. (Serrilla) Stearns, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on October 14th. Jim was born May 25, 1941, in Plattsburgh, NY to the late James H. Stearns, Sr. and Florence E. Stearns. He was educated in the Plattsburgh, NY school system before enlisting in the US Navy in 1958.Jim was a proud veteran serving 30 years in the US Navy and completing two tours in Vietnam. He and his wife Rita, and the kids were stationed in San Diego, Virginia Beach, Schenectady, and finally, Newport, RI. Jim served on several ships and was a highly respected diesel inspector. After his retirement in 1991 he continued to work in the maritime industry. He was at one time, Post Commander for the Middletown VFW.Often found in his garage tinkering, he could build and fix anything. His yearly fishing trips to Matagamon Lake, ME with his brothers, nephews and his friends was the highlight of his year. He was a loyal critic of the Red Sox and Patriots, seldom making it to the end of the game, but seldom missing the start. Jim was a quiet man with a wicked sense of humor and after years of being away from his family, he relished time home, in his recliner, reading. Jim leaves his children, Anne F. Stearns of Nantucket, MA, Rita H. Stearns of Southington, CT and James H. Stearns, III of Middletown. He was Papa to Bailey Stearns. A sister, Florence Fresn of Beekmantown, NY and sisters-in-law, Carol Stearns of Lake Luzerne, NY, Elizabeth Abbey-Stearns of Newburyport, MA, Mary Paige of Abington, MA Carol Serrilla of Quincy, MA and brother-in-law Francis X. Serrilla survive him. Jim was predeceased by his devoted wife of 45 years, Rita, brothers Richard and William and sister, Sandra Stearns Thomas, sister-in -law Cynthia Serrilla and brothers-in- law Arthur Fresn, James Thomas, Wayne Paige and Joseph Serrilla. He was Uncle Jimmy to many nieces and nephews.A graveside burial will be held on Saturday, October 18th at 11:00am at the Four Corners Cemetery at the corner of Wyatt and Turner Road, Middletown. Per Jim's request, there are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.God Bless and Save you Dad. Cemetery Details Middletown Four Corners Cemetery Turner and Wyatt Roads Middletown, RI, 02842