James W. Sorensen

James W. Sorensen, 84, of South Sioux City, passed away on Oct. 17, 2017 after battling pulmonary fibrosis.
A celebration of life service will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. James United Methodist Church, 2032 S. Cypress St., in Sioux City, with the Rev. Doctor Eric Sayonkon officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, 1801 Morningside Ave., in Sioux City. Online condolences can be at www.christysmith.com .
James was born in Hubbard, Neb., on July 9, 1933, to William and Lillian (Lechner) Sorensen. He graduated from Homer (Neb.) High School in 1951. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force as a jet engine mechanic. He received an honorable discharge in 1953.
He married Jessie Jones in 1956. They were blessed with three children, Valeta Pautsch, Jeff Sorensen and John Sorensen. In 1986, Jim married Mary "Marg" Anderson and became a stepfather to Shirley Johnson and Sheila Anderson. Jim worked for many years at Iowa Public Service, where he became a certified electrician.
Jim thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors hunting and fishing with family and friends. After retiring, he and Marg bought a place at Lake Andes, S.D., where many hours of fishing took place. He loved his garden, going to the casino and seeing family. Jim and Marg were members of St. James United Methodist Church in Sioux City.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary "Marg"; his sister, Franny Sorensen of South Sioux City; three children, Valeta (Brian) Pautsch of Charter Oak, Iowa, Jeffrey Lynn Sorensen of Lincoln, Neb., and John (Maureen) Sorensen of Houston, Texas; two stepdaughters, Shirley (Dave) Johnson of Bronson, Iowa, and Sheila (Ron) Anderson of Lincoln; grandchildren, Emily, Ben and Travis Pautsch, Josh and Katie Sorensen, Maddie, Joey, Lily Sorensen, Jennifer (Jay) Dowty, Andrew (Becca) Johnson, Erin Johnson, Kelli (Ryan) Joe, Lindy (Nigel) Tinarwo, Tom Anderson; great-grandchildren, Reilly and Faith Dowty, Kinley, Dylan, Noah Johnson, and Miles and Oliver Tinarwo; sister-in-law, Gerriann Brennfoerder; and many other relatives and dear friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, William; his mother, Lillian; stepson, Tom Marsh; and brother-in-law, LeRoy Brennfoerder.
Jim would like everyone to know he has "Gone Fishing."