Cover photo for James W. Sorensen's Obituary
James W. Sorensen Profile Photo
1933 James 2017

James W. Sorensen

July 9, 1933 — October 17, 2017

James W. Sorensen, 84, of South Sioux City, passed away on Oct. 17, 2017 after battling pulmonary fibrosis.
A celebration of life service will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. James United Methodist Church, 2032 S. Cypress St., in Sioux City, with the Rev. Doctor Eric Sayonkon officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, 1801 Morningside Ave., in Sioux City. Online condolences can be at www.christysmith.com .
James was born in Hubbard, Neb., on July 9, 1933, to William and Lillian (Lechner) Sorensen. He graduated from Homer (Neb.) High School in 1951. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force as a jet engine mechanic. He received an honorable discharge in 1953.
He married Jessie Jones in 1956. They were blessed with three children, Valeta Pautsch, Jeff Sorensen and John Sorensen. In 1986, Jim married Mary "Marg" Anderson and became a stepfather to Shirley Johnson and Sheila Anderson. Jim worked for many years at Iowa Public Service, where he became a certified electrician.
Jim thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors hunting and fishing with family and friends. After retiring, he and Marg bought a place at Lake Andes, S.D., where many hours of fishing took place. He loved his garden, going to the casino and seeing family. Jim and Marg were members of St. James United Methodist Church in Sioux City.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary "Marg"; his sister, Franny Sorensen of South Sioux City; three children, Valeta (Brian) Pautsch of Charter Oak, Iowa, Jeffrey Lynn Sorensen of Lincoln, Neb., and John (Maureen) Sorensen of Houston, Texas; two stepdaughters, Shirley (Dave) Johnson of Bronson, Iowa, and Sheila (Ron) Anderson of Lincoln; grandchildren, Emily, Ben and Travis Pautsch, Josh and Katie Sorensen, Maddie, Joey, Lily Sorensen, Jennifer (Jay) Dowty, Andrew (Becca) Johnson, Erin Johnson, Kelli (Ryan) Joe, Lindy (Nigel) Tinarwo, Tom Anderson; great-grandchildren, Reilly and Faith Dowty, Kinley, Dylan, Noah Johnson, and Miles and Oliver Tinarwo; sister-in-law, Gerriann Brennfoerder; and many other relatives and dear friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, William; his mother, Lillian; stepson, Tom Marsh; and brother-in-law, LeRoy Brennfoerder.
Jim would like everyone to know he has "Gone Fishing."
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James W. Sorensen, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, October 19, 2017

4:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)

Christy-Smith Funeral Homes - Morningside Chapel

1801 Morningside Avenue, Sioux City, IA 51106

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Prayer Service

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Starts at 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

Christy-Smith Funeral Homes - Morningside Chapel

1801 Morningside Avenue, Sioux City, IA 51106

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Memorial Service

Friday, October 20, 2017

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

St. James United Methodist Church

2032 South Cypress Street, Sioux City, IA 51106

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