October 17, 1952 “” December 26, 2021
James Howard Sisco (Jim), born October 17, 1952, climbed the Stairway to Heaven on December 26, 2021. Always a fan of classic rock, he’s no doubt playing drums with his favorite music idols in the spirit in the sky.
James, son of Howard and Elvera (Vee), was a lifetime resident of Turlock, Ca, attending Sacred Heart Elementary School and other Turlock schools as a youth. He often helped out at his mother’s flower shop, the much adored Turlock Flower Shop. James grew up admiring his older sister Lynette, and the two shared an unbreakable bond through life. Always a pinball wizard, he was known to ride his bike around town with his cousins Greg, Alan, and Lee Marchant, and Mike and Nick Zanos to play all the different pinball machines.
James would eventually graduate from Turlock High School, class of 1970. There, he made lifetime friends with an amazing group of colorful buddies. His teen years were punctuated by his appreciation of the music and culture of the time. James loved to play drums in garage bands, and would also attend concerts for legendary groups that would make even the most seasoned rock fan jealous.
After attending further schooling at Modesto Junior College, James would eventually find himself at Turlock Irrigation District, a company that would serve him well and he would work for for over 30 loyal years, ascending his way up from a meter reader to the important roll of Control Center Operator. (Those reading might not realize how often they were close to a power outage that James would skillfully prevent.)
In that time period, he would meet the love of his life, Vickie Pantazopulos, to whom he would be married for nearly 24 wonderful, love-filled years, before her untimely passing at 45 years old. During their early years together, James became very close to Vickie’s large family, and he quickly realized his life would become much more loud around the 5 lively Pantazopulos sisters and their husbands. James and Vickie had two children, Jimmy and Kirsten. They loved the pair dearly and spoiled them to no end, teaching the two how to be kind people and always offering a loving, helping hand every step of their way toward adulthood. After Vickie’s passing, James devoted his life to Jimmy and Kirsten, working long hours to provide a very comfortable life, but also finding the time to help with homework or teach his children about the wonders of classic rock music.
James was known for his love and near-encyclopedic knowledge of The Beatles, but he also had an appreciation for the many other bands from the time period, and a record would always be spinning on his player. His love for classic rock was bestowed upon his son Jimmy, and the two together proudly bonded by attending many amazing concerts. James also continued drumming throughout his life, often jamming with his friends into the late hours of the evening. Beyond music, James was a lifetime diehard fan of the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, and he had a deep fascination with Fantasy Football, winning one championship in Toe-Jam Football League. He was a voracious reader and crossword-puzzler, and his favorite TV shows were Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. However, James’ favorite activity might have been spending time with his best bud, his miniature schnauzer, Lenny, taking walks around the neighborhood and meeting with his neighbors and friends.
James was lucky enough to know the joys of being a grandfather, as his granddaughter, Stevie Moser, entered the world in April of 2021. His children and grandchild were truly the most important aspects to him in his life. He will be missed but his love will forever be felt here, there, and everywhere. May he walk along the strawberry fields forever.
He was predeceased by his wife, Vickie; and is survived by his children, Jimmy (Erika), and Kirsten Moser (Bobby); his granddaughter, Stevie; his sister Lynette Souza (Ray); niece Jaymi Barandica (Robert); and his dog, Lenny. Rock on, James!
A rockin’ celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 14th at 10:00 am at Allen Mortuary in Turlock, CA. Reception to follow. Let’s celebrate James the only way we know how “” with a groovy good time.
Those who are not able to attend in person can watch the service online with the following link: https://www.viewlogies.net/allen/M5ZodiLuR?pin=551160 Enter the pin: 551-160 when prompted.
Condolences(11)-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Previous Virginia Escoto Walderrama
Next Robert Hugh Strickler
- What to do first?
- Pricing
- Preplanning
- Online Arrangement Forms
Abe & Sharon Rojas says
January 16, 2022 at 2:26 amOur condolences to the family. Jim was and outstanding and loved person. May he rest in peace in the loving arms of our Lord.
Steve Langdon says
January 14, 2022 at 3:01 amI was shocked and saddened to hear about Jim’s passing through a mutual friend. what a kind and fun man he was, we were able to reconnect via FB not long ago. lots of laughs, us reminiscing Jim will be missed by me and many others.
Dixie Olsen says
January 8, 2022 at 10:30 pmHi, I am sorry for your loss but very happy you had such a precious person to be your dad.
Jim stopped in to visit me many years ago at a house on Chestnut to visit my dog Sport and I.
My dog did a thing she learned in my dads barbershop – she brought one of us a rubber band – we put it on her nose- then she lay on her back and used a lot of drama getting it just right in her front teeth and front paw – kicked back and shot Jim in the head. We were in a perfect state of mind to laugh about it uncontrollably. Like…did she really just do that?
Jim was 100% sweetheart. That is my testimony. You have been blessed.
Lance says
January 8, 2022 at 12:42 amSorry for your loss.
Joni Valponi says
January 7, 2022 at 4:45 amJim’s passing is a reminder to us how precious and short life is. We always looked forward to getting together with Jim to play music, bike ride, or just visit. We were so excited that Jim had recently set up a wonderful studio in his home for all of us to come over and jam. Our jams were always magical and seemed to create a true kinship among us. We were looking forward to more, and we are already missing Jim greatly. He was such a sweet and sensitive guy who really loved his family and friends so much. I know Jim is finally back with the love of his life, Vickie, who we’ve all missed for too many years. Our hearts and prayers are with his family, his legacy.
William Bart Sargenti says
January 6, 2022 at 9:05 pmJimbo! I worked with Jimbo as a meter reader and later as a Control Cener Operator, we actually weoon the same crew working long hours under very stressful circumstances, I was always able to make fun of him and make him laugh when he was getting stressed out! We always had fun! I will miss my friend! RIP Jimbo and my Condolences to Jimmy, Kirsten and Bones.
Desirae Zanos says
January 6, 2022 at 8:42 pmMy dad loved cousin Jimmy like a brother. So sad to hear of his passing. Jim was always so sweet to us. I know you and Mike are both rocking out together now in heaven.
Julie Hernandez says
January 6, 2022 at 6:48 pmWow I am sad!!! Meeting you jimbo went waaaay too fast! I’ll miss our two hour phone calls, silly notes, lavish dinners and soul searching talks. Oh! And comparing which one of us had the best behaved furbaby!?! Lol. You’ll always be very special to me Jim!!!! Still can’t believe and wish it wasn’t true Please give my son a huge hug for me ❤️
stephanie smith says
January 6, 2022 at 6:39 pmWhat a beautiful written obituary for Jim, more like a brother than a brother n law. I have so many memories of our time together. His passing, only leaves a bigger whole in my heart. Another pillar in my life gone too soon. I am so blessed to have seen him shortly before he left us, and hug him, and hear his laugh. Thank you Jim and Vickie for giving me Jimmy and Kirsten to love on forever. Along with their spouses and adorable Stevie Lynn.
Kristi Moser says
January 6, 2022 at 6:32 pmJim, you will be so missed, but what a beautiful family legacy of love you leave behind! Rest In Peace!
We are privileged to be
the only family-owned
funeral home in the Turlock area.
Quick Links
Our Contacts
Send Us a Message
(209) 634-5829
247 North Broadway
Turlock, California 95380
Allen Mortuary © 2022. All rights reserved.
View Privacy Policy. Supported by SiteJockey.