James Raymond Sarlo

James Raymond Sarlo, age 37, of Vandalia, MO passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2023. 

James was born on July 21, 1985, in Patchogue, New York, the son of James Sarlo and Diane (Monahan) Malia. James was commonly referred to as Jimmy, Jim or Jimbo by his family and friends.

From a young age Jimbo loved using his imagination; playing and creating scenes with his GI Joes and action figures and building with Legos and blocks. Some of his early experiences included spending time at the Racetrack with his dad, playing football for the Junior Central Suffolk football league and racing Go-Karts competitively.

In High School, he was on the wrestling team and enjoyed “training” and playing video games with his friends. Jimmy graduated from Newfield High School, NY, in 2003 and went on to further his education by earning his New York State Audio Engineering Certification from Recording Engineers Institute.

Jimmy had many passions. As a teenager Jim began working at the Town of Brookhaven Ecology Site & Animal Preserve. He loved caring for the animals and while loving animals is not uncommon, hand feeding a bear demonstrated his unique gift.

He had a deep love for music, playing many instruments including the guitar, drums and piano. He toured the Northeast United States and played shows locally on Long Island with several bands he was a part of. Together they wrote and composed their own music.

He was the King of Pop Culture references and a big movie buff. He could name just about any title by hearing only a few words or a tune from a soundtrack.

James enjoyed telling jokes and loved to make people laugh. At family events, Jimmy was the biggest kid, enjoying every moment of being chased, tackled, dunked, and anything else the kids could come up with.

Jimmy was the Chef of the house. Everything he made had it’s own unique twist. Cowboy spaghetti, potato casserole, and baked pasta were a few of the recipes he enjoyed tweaking for his girls and spicy dishes were a must. Jimmy even created and named his own, “Papa Spice”.  

Most importantly, Jimmy loved spending time with his family and taking care of his daughters. His girls knew him as Dad, Daddy, or Papa Jim. Jimmy’s brighter lights Lucy and Dotty were born in December 2008 and May 2011. His fierce love for his girls was evident in their many adventures. They enjoyed taking hikes, swimming, getting boba tea, zip lining, riding the jet ski, and exploring parks, one in particular, the “Big Idea” park where they dreamed big dreams together.

He was united in marriage to Kayla Breneman on October 20, 2018. They welcomed baby Clara into the family in September 2022 and were looking forward to the new adventures all of them would share.

Survivors include his Wife, Kayla Sarlo; Three Daughters, Lucy, Dotty and Clara Sarlo; Mother and Step Father, Diane & Brian Malia; Two Brothers, Jason & Shawn Dioguardo; Sister, Nikki Dioguardo-Theofel; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Steve and Cathy Breneman, and numerous other family members and friends.

His Father, James J Sarlo, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 pm Monday, February 13, 2023 at Waters Funeral Home. Pastor Bob Hoehn and Pastor Dan Page will officiate.

Visitation celebrating James Raymond Sarlo will be held at 4:00 pm until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Education fund for Lucy, Dotty and Clara Sarlo at the United Credit Union - Vandalia Branch.

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on James’s memorial page at www.watersfuneral.com 

James' Family has requested the service be aired via Zoom.  Follow the link below.  

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/85285643937?pwd=aGYyeE9JdFVzU0c4RzQ2a0U5K2FqQT09

Meeting ID: 852 8564 3937
Passcode: 5XPAbE