James J. Salerno, Sr.

Jim Salerno, 83, passed away January 29, 2018 surrounded by his family. Visitation will be held Friday, February 2 from 5-8pm with a Rosary being prayed at 5pm at Muehlebach Funeral Home, 6800 Troost Ave, KCMO. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, February 3 at 9:30am at The Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th Street, Leawood, KS. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Little Sisters of the Poor. Jim was born July 12, 1934 in Chicago, IL to Anthony and Josephine Salerno. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Marie and Marilyn Salerno; sister-in-law, Mary Salerno; and his nephew, Marc Salerno. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sophia; their children, Michelle Schlitzer (Kevin) and Jim Salerno (Chris); grandchildren, Brandon (Mallory), Justin (Kaitlynn), Jordon Schlitzer, and Sabrina Salerno; his siblings, Joe, Mike (Pat), and Frank (Linda) Salerno; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He enlisted in the Army and served his country as a heavy weapons infantryman. He loved telling stories to his grandchildren about his travels to Japan as a "G.I. Joe." After the service, he met and married his beautiful bride of 58 years, Sophia. Jims entrepreneurial spirit and mind for business brought him to Kansas City. In 1960, he opened the first plastic slipcover company, Armstrong Slipcovers, and plastic slipcovers became a household standard. The business grew and expanded to include carpet, upholstery, draperies and furniture sales. Jim was an avid sports fan. He loved the Royals and the Chiefs but his greatest love was for the game of golf. He enjoyed the game for over 60 years and over the course of his golf career achieved the elusive hole-in-one not once, but twice. Ice Pick, as he was referred to by his golf buddies, will be dearly missed for his competitive edge and camaraderie. Jim had a wonderful sense of humor, was an amazing storyteller, and was always the life of the party. His grandchildren lovingly called him Papa and they were his greatest joy. He loved to play games with them which included pitching pennies, boxing with his grandsons, and guessing how many coins were in the jar, among many others. Jim was a devoted Catholic. He prayed the rosary daily, was a member of The Men of Nativity, and instilled the love for the Catholic faith to his family. He touched the lives of many throughout his life. He will continue to live through the cherished memories shared by his family and friends.

Rosary Muehlebach Funeral Care

Friday, February 02, 2018

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM

6800 Troost AvenueKansas City, Missouri 64131
Directions Visitation Muehlebach Funeral Care

Friday, February 02, 2018

5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

6800 Troost AvenueKansas City, Missouri 64131
Directions Mass of Christian Burial Church of the Nativity

Saturday, February 03, 2018

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

3800 W 119th StreetLeawood, Kansas 66209
Directions Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery

Saturday, February 03, 2018

10:45 AM

7601 Blue Ridge BlvdKansas City, Missouri 64138
Directions