LEESVILLE, SC - Captain James Donald Canepa,Sr., Aiken Public Safety (Ret.), age 69, entered into rest Friday, February 17, 2017. James was born March 2, 1947 in Queens, N.Y. to Maurine Pope Canepa and the late Elver Canepa. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1964 until 1968. One year was spent in Alaska at NORAD and three years were spent at the old Air Force base in Aiken, SC. James went on to receive his Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from USCA. He spent his career with Aiken Public Safety from 1969 until 1992, retiring as Captain. He helped start the Police Athletic League and coached football at Aiken High, where he was known as "Coach Canepa." In addition to his father, James was preceded in death by his first wife, Candace R. Canepa; and a son, James D. Canepa, Jr. He is survived by his mother, Maurine Pope Canepa, Aiken, SC; his wife, Linda Canepa, Leesville, SC; a daughter, Lydia Emerson (Tom), Aiken, SC; two sons, Thomas Canepa (Maria), W. Columbia, SC and Tony Cooper(Lynn); thirteen grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Angela Canepa, Aiken, SC. Friends may call on Monday evening at the funeral home from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at Redds Branch Baptist Church with Pastor Jason Redd officiating. Entombment will follow in Aiken Memorial Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be the Aiken Public Safety. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5211, Aiken, SC 29804 or the American Cancer, 128 Stonemark Lane, Columbia, SC 29210. The Historic George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.