Deseret News | Reader comments: Billionaire James Sorenson leaves his fortune to charity

Reader comments
Billionaire James Sorenson leaves his fortune to charity

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Lucy | 12:01 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

I couldn't have had one tiny little tax deducted million?

DYS 391 10 | 12:04 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

I have appreciated the example of James Sorenson in sharing his wealth to the betterment of mankind. I hope to continue watching the fruits of the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation that he founded and supported over the years. The research they are doing provides greater understanding of the history of mankind. It is also demonstrating that we are all related; literal brothers and sisters. The ethnic, national, and religious boundaries that divide us are constructed and maintained to keep the beneficiaries of such divisions in power. Hopefully as people around the world become more aware of how we are all "mutts," as his research is demonstrating, we'll begin to see each other as family and Sorenson's hope for world peace will come closer to fruition. Hopefully.

Hal U. | 12:09 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Kudos to the Sorenson family. I would love to see this story picked up by national and international news organizations. It restores a little faith in humanity.

Comments continue below

MoJules | 12:29 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

What an awesome man, and a great family to support his desire to help others.

From St. George | 1:01 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

The first commandment in the New testament was given by John the baptist. "If you two coats, give away the other"
Thank you Sorenson Family for setting a great example..

Dito | 1:07 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

What a wonderful man! I echo the above comments. True charity! Wow! Wouldn't this world be a better place, if more people could do that.

Whoa Nellie | 1:23 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

This story:

No it shouldn't be the top story since it must be viewed as less important (which it is) for the readers of the Deseret News. As great as Mr. Sorenson's contributions have been can you really classify all of them as "true philanthropy"? Do you recall some years back (in the 90's) that he was all set to make a generous donation to the University of Utah, even had a big announcement about it, but when the university didn't want to put his name on the building or wherever he wanted it, he withdrew his offer? Maybe today's announcement is his way of saying, "Gee, I guess I might have appeared a little conceited back then and I'm sorry."

Nevertheless, this is a great thing he is doing for humanity, donating his personal wealth to charity.

Uberg | 1:37 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

I humbly applaud Mr. Sorenson and his family for the much good that will continue to be given to the many communities and causes of need through out the world. The United States is the most giving nation in the world. The Sorenson's extend that legacy.

The example of this man...(who I only know becuase of the news articles and some television coverage over the past many years) has inspired me to be more aware of those things that I might do to give back to the community, nation and world that has given me so much.

Thank you James LeVoy Sorensen and may God bless you, your family, and those charged in the stewartship of your departing wishes.

Way to go! | 2:09 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

What a generous soul! His wealth will benefit so many!

Memo From The IRS | 2:12 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

No money for me? Oh goodness gracious! I aplaude Mr. Sorenson for leaving the IRS out of the equations. Fortunes should remain under the control of the family and legal foundations to work for the betterment of manking.

So there | 2:35 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Interestingly enough on January 31st on the Glenn Beck program, Jon Huntsman Sr. was talking about all of his charitable contributions. He mentioned how he had gone to the funeral of a "very wealthy man, of billionaire status". He had the audacity to say that "he didn't see one dollar bill in his casket" and how "this very wealthy man didn't give much of his money away" and how "much happier he could have been if he had given more away". I was appalled at his arrogance and short-sided judgment of a man who was able to give anonymously, obviously not needing the recognition of the public by putting his name on every building he donated the money to.

What a classy man to continue giving for years to come, even after his death and shame on you Jon Huntsman, Sr.

Anonymous | 2:36 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Yes a good thing, however we can all contribute in our own way, we don't have to be million or billionares. We can be better kinder people to our family and outsiders. We can volunteer, be diligent in our duties, be courteous when we drive, do justice to our family, help children with their homework, help them to come to a real understanding. Donate a fair share to charity . etc. We can all be just as good.

Idahoan | 3:10 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

I watched Jon Huntsman Sr. on Glenn Beck. I don't think he was talking about James Sorenson. I got the feeling that the funeral he attended was years ago. I really doubt he meant Sorenson. Sorenson and Huntsman are classy men. I don't think there is anything arrogant about either of them. Let's just recognize and appreciate the goodness of both men in contributing to mankind.

Charlotte, NC | 3:14 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Until recently I never asscociated Utah as being home to some of the riches families in the country. How did the Huntsmans and Sorensons obtain their wealth? I think it is great the children have accepted their fathers wishes, although I'm sure none of them are wanting for anything financailly! It is great to see there want be a court battle for the money.

Former U of U Student | 4:30 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

I remember the proposed medical school donation much differently. I thought the unfortunate outcome was more a poor reflection on U of U students and faculty than James Sorenson. I was a U of U student in the 90's. I remember the outcry from U students and faculty over the Medical school being named after a non-MD donor. Sorenson bowed out after a few weeks of controversy. I think it was unfair then, and it's unfair now, to ascribe motives to donors, Sorenson or Huntsman or whoever. It's unwise too. Sorting out a donor's motives is a task best left to the donor.

To Whoa Nellie | 4:44 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

You pony up a thousandth of what he did and then you can criticize.

great neice | 5:56 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

On Glen Beck Jon Huntsman was not talking about Jim. He and Jim were friends. If you only knew the extent of generosity on both of their parts...

charitable giving | 6:18 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

I wish people would donate to charities and organizations without wanting to get publicity from it aka naming buildings etc after them, just look at the new Intermountain Medical Center every part of that hospital is named after some rich person, what about the every day person that donated what little they had! their names are not on those buildings, it was more of a sacrafice for them then the rich man! it is great to give but true charity is giving with without need for special recognition, otherwise i view it as an attempt for personal gain and publicity.

Anonymous | 6:37 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

To charitable giving,
I think that you are wrong. I think that people should receive some recognition for their charities. People usually don't get rich by sitting around doing nothing. They get rich by taking risks and going against the narrow minded ways of their peers, and doing things that others wouldn't think of. They usually have a lot of opposition along the way. Some even suffer great financial difficulties until they finally have success.

Their name on a building only shows people what they believe in and where they choose to donate. It's a way of letting the world know what they think is important. Why shouldn't they be recognized?

I get what you are saying, but I think that it is ignorant to think that they are only being selfish.

so there | 6:55 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

To Great Niece,

Go to Glenn Beck's website and listen to the interview and you will hear (at about minute 30) him talking about going to a billionaire's funeral last week (this was taped on Jan 31). How many billionaire's do you know who died in the last week and had their funeral. I know you will think what you want (assuming you are a great niece of Huntsman)but the fact remains that alot more people knew who Huntsman was than Sorenson, based on the fact that Huntsman announces most of what he gives away. I grew up where Huntsman is from, I know several of his kids, daughters in laws, etc. so I do know of the extent of his giving. All I am pointing out is that based on what he said in the Glenn Beck interview, he was clearly talking about Sorenson. Millions of people listen to Beck's show, and I can imagine that there were other's from Utah who heard and thought the same thing. Huntsman really ought to cover his tracks on this one. Either that or be quiet.

Didymus | 7:02 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

It is their money. Neither James Sorenson or Jon Huntsman, Sr gained their wealth through inheritance. They can do what they want with it.

If the U thinks they are all that then so be it. However, I had always thought the U approached Mr. Sorenson about naming rights not the other way around.

King Noah | 7:13 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Can I have some?

Deer Valley Resident | 7:16 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Sorenson didn't give a dime to the Olympics when they were held in Salt Lake... even when most of the corporate sponsors pulled out and all of the local high rollers pitched in to help.

Sorenson is clearly The Man | 7:51 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Deer Valley Resident - If Sorenson didn't give a dime to the Olympics, perhaps in hindsight the genius of such a decision is illustrated...the Olympics did not need it as it turned out, and now more charities will benefit from Sorenson's money. I find it interesting (if not regrettable) at how many people do not let their own lack of skill in earning riches appoint themselves commentators on what a rich person should or should not do with their money. We are a jugemental bunch of little people, aren't we?

To Whoa Nellie and others who claimed Sorenson's motives were suspect in the UofU medical center debacle that the students selfishly either started or exascerbated: you illustrate who judgmental we as a society are, and how unwilling we are to check our facts. Don't let a little thing like facts get in the way of your appetite to criticize rich people who have done more for the world financially than you ever will (or I).

I am laughing, and laughing hard, at those who have found a way to criticize a man for donating perhaps $4.5 billion to charity. You who do so seem so petty and childish.

jfrazier | 7:53 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Deer Valley Resident,

And he didn't give to a million other deserving charities. His money, his choice.

With all the political talk these days of taxing the greedy rich people I love to see contributions made by very, very rich people. Long live the capitalist AND the philanthropist! You can't have the one without the other.

Brian | 8:14 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Why can't you people just say, "Wow, that is really nice!" You really feel like you have any room at all to judge the Huntsmans, the Sorensens, the Eccles, the Gates's, or any other family?

What a huge, massive, major, waste of desnews.com cyber-space...

CougarKeith | 8:31 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Why is it there is always some "Rotten Apples" in the peanut gallery? Mr. Sorenson was a wonderful man and someone "Condemns" him here after all he has done without knowing ALL the facts? Someone else Poo-who's Jon Huntsman for making a comment about a millionaire who didn't give much. He was making the case that people need to be generous, he wasn't JUDGING ANYONE! There is another very wealthy man who has given millions to charity and a cancer research center here in our back yard! How dare you criticize... These and many more are great HEROES to our community, our state, our nation, and all of humanity! May these kind of "Rich" men get nothing but Richer! We need more men like them in our world, and they are a gift to humanity, from our Heavenly Father.

Sharon Simnitt | 8:44 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

What a wonderful man.

Great Example | 8:59 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

What a great man and great family. Please do not insult this family or the family of Mr. Huntsman. Both of them have been incredibly generous with their wealth and have represented it with unmatched responsibility. They don't deserve your critiques, only your congratulations.

mike | 10:25 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

4.5 million or the widow's mite, which is greater? We all really appreciate generosity. It is something we all need to work on.

Lither | 10:57 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

What an example to the rest of us. His family should be very proud of the man that he is.

kudos | 11:07 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Leave it to charity or let the government take half and fritter it away - I'd go for charity as well - good man!

Glenn Beck Program | 11:52 p.m. Feb. 4, 2008

Do your research. Huntsman was not talking about Sorenson and that was aired originally in December. I watched it then because a friend of mine was up at the Huntsman Cancer Center and was being shown on the program. Before you start saying stupid things about great men, at least make sure they are factual.

Glad he left it | 12:17 a.m. Feb. 5, 2008

Since the playing field is equalized on the other side, I am happy for Mr. Sorenson and for the peace of mind the family can have to know what a generous man he was..I remember in the 60's my mother had to go out to work. She found a job at a place called Deseret Pharmaceuticals where she assembled some I.V. type plastic equipment for $2,00 an hour.But what I most remember about that year was the winter, and how the assembly line non stop work made the ends of her fingers crack and bleed..every single day, that whole winter...Being young, I did the most I could around the house to help and tend the other kids..It would be nice if in some way, a small part of that donated money could invent a wonderful new treatment for hands here in Utah such as my mother had. For that,I could forgive him for the low pay. Still, he was a generous man with inovation. His contributions are many and his success was established by a lot of hard work by many unknown people.

Great men | 12:28 a.m. Feb. 5, 2008

I know members of both families and both are amazing people (Sorensons and Huntsmans), some of the most humble, God-fearing people on the planet. I can also say this is one reason we need to keep the death tax in place. Just as the tax write-off encourages people to pay tithing, so does the death tax encourage people to give to charity.

Great lesson | 1:36 a.m. Feb. 5, 2008

The lesson that this teaches is beyond what words can describe. It truly demonstrates a love and concern for mankind.

Hoosier Cougar | 7:08 a.m. Feb. 5, 2008

To "Glad He Left It",

It seems you are willing to continue the pathetic attempts at class envy that I'm reading in these comments.

It is, generally speaking, the market that determines wages and not the employer. If they pay too much, someone will come in the market and pay the employees and thus charge less to their customers. Companies that do not pay their employees the "going rate" go out of business.

To provide stable employment and a means of an income is VERY Christian. So yes, it is noble for an employer to look out for their employees by paying them the market rate.

There are a Few | 7:11 a.m. Feb. 5, 2008

who could take a cue from you...like the ones who run scams and don't give a damn. In the end you can't take it with you as it isn't able to buy one more breath. Only the spirit giver can do that. He was a great man with weaknesses just like us all. But by doing what he did he gives breath to others!

Anonymous | 10:28 a.m. Feb. 5, 2008

I think we are all ungrateful, and Sorenson should not have left a dime! He should have just ... lived forever... or taken it with him! Yeah! That's what he should have done!

Thank you | 10:58 a.m. Feb. 5, 2008

Thank you, James Sorenson. I do not know if you are "the" Sorenson behind the Sorenson Videophone technology but we thank you and enjoy and appreciate the technology in our lives.

a grateful soul | 11:11 a.m. Feb. 5, 2008

I 'm just grateful for Mr. Sorenson's generosity for humanity. He and his family deserve all the recognition possible. Thanks a million Sorensons, and Huntsmans. God bless!!

Stan Musial | 12:35 p.m. Feb. 5, 2008

Holy smokes! That's a pretty penny to be donating. What a great guy.

Math | 1:12 p.m. Feb. 5, 2008

He could give every person in Utah $1,500...my small family of 4 would be racking in $6,000...

Think of what that could do for the economy in Utah...

Kudos to him for giving it all away...

Ron | 1:07 p.m. Feb. 5, 2008

I take it he didn't give it all (or any of it) to the LDS Church. I wonder why...?

Ron Hates Good People | 5:01 p.m. Feb. 5, 2008

Ron, he gave his 10%. God never asked for any more than that. There's always some people pouring haterade over the best and brightest stories of good will and humanity.

just mama | 5:20 p.m. Feb. 5, 2008

Ron, he also put up the $30 million as a "private donor" a few years ago to rebuild the Nauvoo Temple. That was just revealed after his death a few weeks ago.

ditto | 5:39 p.m. Feb. 5, 2008

to Thank You - Mr. Sorenson is "the" Sorenson behind the Sorenson Videophone.

Just wonder | 7:32 p.m. Feb. 5, 2008

Have any of us thought to express our sympathy to the Sorenson family in the loss of their father and grandfather?
I am sure you will miss him greatly.

So what!!! | 7:53 p.m. Feb. 5, 2008

It is so easy to give your money away when you die. Shows you his real character when he hangs onto every cent till his dying breath. Give me a break!!!

So What !! you are ignorant | 1:18 p.m. Feb. 7, 2008

It amazes me how there are those in our society who have the audacity to criticize another's philanthropic
decisions. "So What!" claims to know what Jim Sorenson did or did not do with his hard earned money. It is more than obvious to me, as someone who knew Jim well, that "So What!" knew nothing of Jim Sorenson. In the Bible Jesus' bother Jude said,"Men speak evil of whatever things they know not" Jude 1:10 NIV.
An interesting statement made by the brother of one so misunderstood. Jim and Beverley Sorenson understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth" Matt 6:3 KJV
They have been quite workers in God's army. There are reasons the general public have not been made aware of the generousness of the Sorenson.
Again I ask, why would anyone suppose they knew anything about someone else's financial or any personal decisions? Why do some suppose they should judge another; another whom they do not even know?
For those who are determined to qualify Jim Sorenson's philanthropy, how about waiting until you have donated 5 billion? Shannon Smith, niece

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