James "Jimmy" Timothy Sarata

After a short, but courageous battle with cancer, Jimmy went to the arms of our Lord on July 2, 2014. Born on December 14, 1954, Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, George and Dorothy Sarata; sister Margie Pettie and brother John Sarata; nephew and dear friend Bobby LaMarre; beloved son and daughter, James Daniel and Marlina; and his granddaughter Britney Head. He is survived by his love of five years, Carol Griffes, his children Jason (Kristen) Sarata, Trina (Ernie) Head, Gina (Kyle) Sarata, Sabrina (Jaime) Vowels, Christina Sarata; and his eight adoring grandchildren: Chance and Caden Head, James Robert, Ashton, and Reed Vowels, Hazyl Sarata, and Peyton and Josephine Sarata, along with siblings Carol (Roger) LaMarre, Jackie (Dennis) Angel, Jerry Sarata, Doug (Sheri) Sarata, Mary (Kurt) Nichols, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jimmy attended Northwest High School and was a member of the Lions Club. As a teen, he took a job at Bartlett's Resort on Pleasant Lake; it was here that his love of cooking originated. Jimmy has owned various businesses throughout the Jackson area, but his greatest passion was the Roxy Café, which he bought in 1977 at the age of 21. You could find Jimmy here seven days a week, socializing with his family and friends, and serving his customers "Jackson's Best Breakfast"; one would only have to read the infamous sign out front to know what Jimmy was thinking that day. When he wasn't at the Roxy, you could find him at catering events, bidding at auctions, visiting his second home in Nokomis, Florida, riding one of his Harley Davidson motorcycles, or spending time with his loved ones. Jimmy was the true patriarch of his family; to his children he was the "rock" and "mentor"; to his grandchildren he was attentive, adventurous, and loving. Jimmy's true love of life, friends, and family could be felt by just spending a moment talking to him. His smile, quick wit, and boisterous voice drew people to him, and his presence could be felt as soon as he entered a room. To know him was to love him; he leaves behind a void that cannot be filled. Please join the family in a celebration of his life, and share in the many memories and "Jimmy stories."

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 8th at 10:30 AM with Father James Shaver officiating. Interment will follow at Roseland Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM with a Rosary Service at 6:30 PM.

Contributions to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family owned for 124 years