James “Papa” Pierce, 79, died Tuesday, June 16, 2009. Funeral services for Mr. Pierce were held Saturday, June 20, 2009, at Christ Lutheran Church in Long Beach, California. Burial followed at Forest Lawn. Mr. Pierce was born in Milwaukee, Wyoming, and served in the US Air Force. Survivors are: his wife, Shirley; his children, James, Jr., Sherry, Donna and David; two sisters, Olive and Rose; 15 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.