James K. “Jim” Sorensen

James K. “Jim” Sorensen, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, at his home in Manti, Utah, surrounded by family. Born on March 7, 1934, in Centerfield, Utah, Jim faced a long battle with cancer with courage and grace.

Jim was a cherished son of Erastus Mayo and Vera Petrina Anderson Sorensen. He was predeceased by his siblings LaWanna (Wesley) Peterson, Helen (Ivan) Carbine, Gary (Marie) Sorensen, and Errol Rex (Nyla) Sorensen, and is survived by his siblings Paul (Margaret) Sorensen, Carolyn (Robert) Bessey, and Joan (Joe) Shand.

Jim leaves behind a loving legacy in his wife, Dixie Lee, whom he married on March 4, 1955, in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Together, they built a beautiful family that includes their children, eight grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren.

A proud graduate of Manti High School, Jim earned an athletic scholarship to Snow College, where his love for sports flourished.  His sense of duty and lack of gainful employment in Sanpete County led him to join the U.S. Air Force, where he served from 1955 to 1959, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant, an experience he described as “four years of bad food and good stories” Jim’s service included vital reconnaissance missions based out of the U.S. and Finland, where he served as a navigator on flight crews.

Jim’s career was as diverse and rich as his personal life. From working on the Frank Keller farm in Shumway Springs as a youngster to honing his skills as an aircraft mechanic at Hill Air Force Base, Jim was never afraid of hard work.

He ventured into vanadium mining in Durango Colorado, and worked as a sewing machine mechanic in Las Vegas, New Mexico, El Paso, Texas and Manti  with the family business before finding his passion in construction. As a heavy equipment operator with Cox’s Road Construction and Johansen’s Construction, Jim helped shape the landscapes of his community. He found particular joy in his work at Palisade Golf Course, where he was not only a greens keeper and fairway mower but also a steadfast and spirited field marshal alongside his brother-in-law Joe.

Jim was a proud member of the Operating Engineers #3 Union and a treasured member of Palisade’s Hole in One Club. His life was filled with adventures shared with dear friends Carl and Dale, whether on horseback or while hunting and fishing. Jim’s love for golf was evident both on the course and from his favorite chair, watching tournaments on television. He loved watching football and was a heluva armchair quarterback for the 49ers and Broncos.

Known for his quick wit and sarcastic humor, Jim had a way of lighting up a room. His laughter was infectious, and his honest, gentle nature endeared him to all who knew him. Whether through a well-timed “Gawd almighty”, song, dance or a shared joke, Jim brought joy and warmth to countless lives.

“God, how I hate solemn funerals. When I die, take me into a room and burn me. Then my family and a few good friends should get together, have a few good belts, and talk about the crazy old time we all had together.”

—John Wayne

Jim Sorensen’s legacy of love, laughter, and resilience will continue to inspire and comfort his family and friends. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Per Jim’s request, there was no funeral, rather a graveside service with Military Honors to be conducted by the Manti unit of Veterans Affairs in the Manti City Cemetery, 4:30 p.m. on the July 25, 2026.

Friends and Foe (any former Manti city utility worker or anyone kicked off his beautiful lawn) are absolutely welcome to attend.

A family and friends dinner will be held at the LDS Chapel – 555 E. Union Street at 5:30 p.m. post graveside service.