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Billionaire James Sorenson leaves his fortune to charity

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

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.

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.

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

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..

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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...

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.

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.

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.