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Inventor James L. Sorenson dies at 86

What a wonderful man! He worked hard and looked for ways to help his fellow beings. We could all learn a few lessons from him. My condolences to his wife and family.

Typical Utahns buying into the belief that money makes a man great. It just isn't the case.

If not for him to have involved in the video communications for Deaf, we may never have the Sorenson Video Relay Service today - so this obituary is attached in honor of his successful SorensonVRS for the Deaf world!

It is not the money that made the man, but what he did with it, and it is quite clear he was choosing the right (CTR) with his.

Why must religion always be referenced in any article/ posting that shows up in the D News? This article is about how great of a life this man lived and how many people he helped through his gerosity and goodwill. Granted, he did contribute a substantial amount to the LDS Church, but why does CTR need to be referenced?

All that needs to be talked about is how good of man he was and how the world is a better off today because of what he did with his good fortune. Religion and religious references don't need to be included. Not everyone wants to be subjected to constant religion.

To "Just Talk About The Man",
And of course it is all about you, isn't it? Sorenson's faith was a significant part of his life. An article at the time of his death, basically an obituary, would not be complete with mention and discussion of his faith.

The money wasn't what made him great--it was what he did with his abilities and then with his money that did. Utah and the nation should be proud of this man.

To: "just talk about the man" The article doesn't reference CTR--unless you're confusing it with DNA. The poster is the only reference to CTR, and the only reference to the LDS church that I found was in the list of charities (omitting the name on a couple probably wouldn't be a good idea, would it?) and where the funeral was to be held--another omission that just wouldn't work.

I knew Jim Sorenson in High School in Lincoln, California. He graduated from Lincoln where he played basketball and went on to join the Coast Guard during WW II

My family had the pleasure of knowing all of the Sorensons snd enjoying their friendship while sharing rides to church in Roseville, California
our condolensces to all.

I think this man is remarkable, cut from a truly unique cloth. I have a friend who was starting out in his career and Mr. Sorensen sat down with him several times, listened to him and helped him to grow and thrive within his company. I understand his favorite thing to eat was Arby's sandwiches. Talk about keeping it real. Only in America! I have no doubt he wasn't perfect, but I truly admire him.

.... he was someone who impressed me. My dad once worked at one of his plants as a facilities maintenance person--very blue-collar. Some 10 years later, I was employed with a caterer and we did a private party at Mr. Sorenson's house. Mr. Sorenson spoke a bit with all of us, and when he heard my last name he instantly recognized the heritage, asking me questions about my dad and how he was. This, despite my dad not having worked for him in a decade and despite the radical wealth differences (blue-collar vs. billionaire)! I cannot tell you how impressed I was with him, since he refused to look down on the "hired help"--either his regular employees or the ones serving his food.

The world was better off with him in it and is hurt by his passing. He will be missed.

OK, so the richest man in Utah died. Now everyone can move up one notch.

Jim and his foundation donated tons and tons of money
to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. I have an
eleven year old son with the disease. JIm. all i can
say is god bless you... and I know your in the highest kingdom god offers......what a generous down
to earth great man....we will miss him

Jim was a remarkable man. His ability to focus on a single issue gave him an intensity of purpose few can match. My condolences to his wife and family. Beverly shares the credit for his success because of her own capacity to channel and encourage her husband through all his wonderful eccentricities. She taught him to share, in part, her love of education and the arts. It is one of life's delights to know both of them.

My condolences to his wife & family, I am so thankful for the wonderful donation of DNA indentification services that Mr. Sorenson gave to the Thai people in processing over 1,200 samples of asian tsunami victims. I worked in the morgue at Wat Yanyao Thailand processing these samples, and to see the hopes of each family as we tried to identify their loved ones was one of the greatest works of my life. My life was blessed in working with and knowing the man, and agree that he was very unique and interesting. It always got down to how he could help people, and link them together with each other, and see "commonalities" and not differences. He was always cheeful, happy, and met me at the door of his office with a smile. He always talked about my grandfather another Sugarhouse businessman, whom had passed away over 30 years ago, people ment alot to Mr. Sorenson and I am thankful to have had his example in my life. "Because I have been given much..."

I worked for Sorenson Research as a District Sales Manager back in the early 1970's. As a result of Jim's innovation, some of the products we introduced to the medical community at that time, i.e., disposable suction containers, a device for flushing arterial lines, etc., are used routinely in virtually every hospital in the country. I had limited contact with Jim but always admired his focus and tenacity. I send my condolences to his family.

He invented the communications for the deaf using VRS for all the deaf and me that are very useful in the world.To honor him the best work for the deaf communities.My condolences to his wife and his family.

I AM AT MY PRIME AGE IN THIS GENERATION, AND VERY GRATEFUL THAT I LIVED TO SEE A NEW INVENTION OF SORENSON'S..A VIDEO RELAY SERVICE FOR THE DEAF! IT'S THE GREATEST ASSET FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED, THAT EVER EXISTS. WE, THE DEAF ARE VERY HUMBLY BLESSED WITH THE NEW DEVICES....BLESS HIS GENEROUS INTERESTS AND CONCERNS. HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN FOR HIS MULITPLE INNOVATIONS IN THE MEDICAL FIELDS. WE NEED GOOD HONEST PEOPLE LIKE HIM SHARING HIS FORTUNE TO IMPROVE THE GLOBAL AFFLICATIONS. I WILL PROBABLY HAVE A SEVERAL MORE YEARS LEFT TO REALLY ENJOY USING THE VIDEO RELAY.
THANKS A MILLION FOR HIS MIND THAT KEPT ON EMPLOYING AND MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THE MANKIND. MY CONDOLESENCE TO HIS FAMILY AND HIS RESEARCHES.

I'm a relative of Mr. Sorenson and one thing that pleases me about his story is the headline "Inventor James Sorenson.." Instead of "Billionaire James Sorenson" which is certainly warrented but not something that should define who he was and what he did.
What truly defines this man's life was the countless ways he was able to help people either directly or indirectly through his innovation and giving of his life and resources.
He'll be sorely missed by all

Wow,What a story I read and wish Im like him. I sure wanted to thanks him for the wonderful he did for us so we can using our Sorenson VP that helped us alots. God bless him n ur family! From Colorado

How anyone can say anything negative about this man (see Carl above) is beyond me. Mr. Sorenson advanced the medical community greatly. His legacy will live on. Best wishes to his family & loved ones.