James Newell Sorensen, 79 of Hermosa, SD passed away on September 29 in the Rapid City, SD hospital. His family was making plans to celebrate his 80th birthday in November when he passed away.
Newell was born in Lovell, WY to Norman Aaron Sorensen and Lucinda Wasden on November 9, 1941. He was the firstborn and had 2 sisters and 2 brothers: Gail (Richard) Hamilton, Julian (Patsy), Mark (Marie), and Charlette. He attended school in Lovell, WY and then the University of Wyoming. He graduated with his Masters degree in 1966. He married Josephine Jones on December 13, 1963 in the Logan Utah Temple. In December they would have celebrated their 58th anniversary. Together they had a large family-9 children, 42 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Newell is survived by his wife and children: Bret (Lorraine), Janell (Clark) Wiberg, Norman (Terri), Bryant (Marie), Marla (Eric) Cheney, Austin (Amy), Andrew (Julie), Sarah (Brian) Harwood and Seth (Charlotta), as well as his grandchildren, siblings and extended family members. All who knew him will miss him greatly.
He worked for city and county governments most of his career and lived in several states. He retired in 2004 when he and ‘Jo’ retired to the Black Hills to be close to a son (Norman) who lives here.
He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Serving in the Bismark, ND temple along with ‘Jo’ was a joy to him. He had to always be doing some project. After he got ill with cancer, it was hard on him to not be able to work as he had in the past. All who knew him will miss him. Until we meet again………………….