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Inventor James L. Sorenson dies at 86
26 comments | Read story
An observer | 5:55 a.m. Jan. 21, 2008
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.
Utahn | 6:41 a.m. Jan. 21, 2008
Typical Utahns buying into the belief that money makes a man great. It just
isn't the case.
Arizonian | 7:53 a.m. Jan. 21, 2008
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!
Comments continue below
RE: Utahn | 8:03 a.m. Jan. 21, 2008
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.
Just talk about the man... | 8:12 a.m. Jan. 21, 2008
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.
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.
KC | 8:58 a.m. Jan. 21, 2008
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.
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.
Great man | 9:00 a.m. Jan. 21, 2008
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.
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.
June Hellewell Bosworth | 9:26 a.m. Jan. 21, 2008
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.
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.
Chris Bowler | 9:40 a.m. Jan. 21, 2008
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.
Regardless of religion... | 10:35 a.m. Jan. 21, 2008
.... 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.
The world was better off with him in it and is hurt by his passing. He will be missed.
Carl | 10:40 a.m. Jan. 21, 2008
OK, so the richest man in Utah died. Now everyone can move up one notch.
diabetes | 11:04 a.m. Jan. 21, 2008
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
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
Don Gale | 11:10 a.m. Jan. 21, 2008
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.
Dave Rockwood | 12:42 p.m. Jan. 21, 2008
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..."
Frank Lloyd | 1:13 p.m. Jan. 21, 2008
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.
John Lafferty | 3:14 p.m. Jan. 21, 2008
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.
PEGGY DELL | 3:26 p.m. Jan. 21, 2008
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.
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.
Inventor James L Sorenson | 4:06 p.m. Jan. 21, 2008
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
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
Joan W | 5:35 p.m. Jan. 21, 2008
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
Jamie | 6:00 p.m. Jan. 21, 2008
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.
Karen | 8:19 p.m. Jan. 21, 2008
My husband worked in the medical devices field for many years, and had heard of
Mr. Sorenson, but didn't realize all he had done, especially all his
inventions. Sounds like he did many wonderful things for millions of people.
I'd say we've been blessed to be on earth at a time when we - or those
we know perhaps - could benefit from things he has invented, created, marketed,
or benefited. Our sympathy to his family and friends.
Jan | 9:02 a.m. Jan. 22, 2008
I have lived through the times when a Deaf person had to drive to the
Doctor's office or ask someone (hearing) to call for an appointment. Then
came the wonderful TTY/TDD with that relay system following - better for Deaf,
but often time-consuming & frustrating with trying to interpret/tranlate
between visual American Sign Language and spoken/printed English. Mr Sorenson
has enhanced each and every one of these types of communication by enabling his
AWESOME technology of Video Phones to be accessed (given free to any deaf/hard
of hearing person). A "phone" call (from one person using sign
language to another using sign language) connects them visually. A call to/from
any other person that does not use sign language is placed through certified
sign language interpreters that are paid by Sorenson Video Relay Services to be
available 24/7. This is a very brief "glimpse" of the tremendous good
from admirable Mr James L Sorenson - with MUCH appreciation!!
Glenn Clapp | 12:59 p.m. Jan. 22, 2008
While I only met Mr. Sorenson on a few occasions, I consider myself better off
for those few brief conversations. Mr. Sorenson was an amazing individual and I
only wish I had 1/10th of the tenacity, drive, intelligence, creativity,
charisma, and philanthropy he showed in his daily life. We have lost one of
America's truly great individuals.
Californian | 7:50 a.m. Jan. 25, 2008
I only met Mr. Sorenson once. It was at the annual meeting of the NCCJ national
board in NYC in the mid 90's. I was representing the SF Bay area region and
we discovered the library at the NCCJ offices did not have a set of the
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MORMONISM,he said he would take care of it. I assume he did. I
was impressed by him and knew nothing about him except he was representing Utah
on the NCCJ. The notice of his death told me about his remarkable life. I
further related to him as a ten pound first son to a farm family in So. Dak. but
even without dyslexia he far exceeded my efforts in life. May he be long
remembered.
Robert S. Warren | 9:43 p.m. Feb. 3, 2008
I was very privileged to have been able to sit down at the table with Mr.
Sorenson a few years back. He wanted to have our first right to buy 80 acres
above Oakley, Utah which had 30 acre feet of water rights with it. I had drawn
up a plan to subdivide the land into about 60 small parcels to try to raise the
1/4 million to buy it. His comment to me was "My you are frugal".
He got his land and I was happy to have met him in person.
Harry Minot | 3:24 p.m. June 4, 2009
I once sent a couple of home-made audio CDs to Mr, Sorenson and his wife,
Beverley. I was surprised and delighted to receive a late-night phone call of
thanks from Mr. Sorenson. The CD he enjoyed so much was titled "NOT
Depressed", and it contained cheerful songs from the Depression era. He
said he found it to be comforting, in a nostalgic sort of way. hminot@aol.com
(203)767-7704
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James LeVoy Sorenson
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