James Peter Sorensen

James Peter Sorensen, died at his home January 29, 2024. He was 97 years old. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jane (Wellman) Sorensen. He leaves his wife of eight years Gail (Bainbridge) Sorensen. James was born in Salt Lake City, Utah March 17, 1926, to Ingbert and Mary Ellen (Ash) Sorensen. He was the third child and their first son. He grew up in Utah and Idaho. He graduated from high school in Blackfoot, ID in 1944. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in March 1944. He served in the Navy ROTC program at the University of Colorado, graduating as an Ensign in the United States Navy Reserves in 1946. He graduated from the University of Colorado with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1947. While attending the university he met his sweetheart, Mary Jane Wellman. They were married June 4, 1948, in East Lansing, Michigan. They moved to Phoenix, Arizona where they made their home and were blessed with five children. James Jr. (died 2021), Paul (Julie ), Sandra (Phillip Terry died 2018) Allen, Gail (Kirk) Bowden, Christine (Kent died 2010) Bowden.

Jim worked as a mechanical engineer for several engineering and architectural firms in Phoenix. In 1953 he partnered with M.M. Lowry to form Lowry and Sorensen Engineers. The company grew from a small three-man firm to a large engineering company of 95 employees when he retired in 1986. They were responsible for the design of many large and prominent projects in Arizona including Sky Harbor Airport, ASU, NAU, Good Samaritan Hospital, the Phoenix Convention Center, the State Capital buildings and over 4,000 other projects. Jim served on the City of Phoenix Building and Safety Advisory Board for over 15 years, and the Facilities Committee for the Arizona State Community College Board for 17 years. He was also a member of the Camelback Kiwanis Club.

Sitting still was not something Jim knew how to do. He enjoyed an active life and participated in many sports but specifically like boating, water skiing and racquetball. He enjoyed trips with his family and friends to the beaches in California, Hawaii, and Mexico as well as the mountains of Colorado. The family visited most of the United States on various trips in their motorhome. Jim and Mary had the opportunity to visit most of the European countries and took cruises with family and friends to Alaska, Mexico, Russia, and the Baltic countries. Jim loved his family with all his heart and enjoyed having a good time playing games with his children and grandchildren. He loved to win and admitted he was a poor loser-if he ever lost a game.

Jim was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for all of his life. He served as the bishop of the Phoenix 20th Ward for seven years, and as a member of the Phoenix North Stake High Council for many years. After retiring in1986 he and Mary Jane served a church mission to Prince Rupert, British Columbia. They also served in the Mesa Arizona Temple Presidency for 3 years and continued serving in the temple for 20 years. They went on a second church mission to Nauvoo, Illinois where he served as director of the Nauvoo Restoration. He loved his Savior Jesus Christ and had a firm conviction of the divinity of Christ and the truthfulness of the restored gospel. He tried to live his life by following Christ’s teachings and His example.

James P. Sorensen leaves a large family. His dear wife Gail enriched his life greatly as she was a companion to him in his later years. She gave him love, support and tender care, especially this last year. He also leaves behind his two stepdaughters Nadia Clark and Talia (Ben) Bright. Jim and Mary had five children, 20 grandchildren, 57 great grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 9th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 4901 W. Union Hills Dr. Glendale, AZ 85308. There will be a viewing from 9:30-10:45 am, with the funeral at 11:00 am. He will be laid to rest at the National Veterans Cemetery, Phoenix, AZ on Monday, February 12th. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the church missionary fund or an organization of your choice.