Jim was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on August 26, 1927 to the late James and Myrtle Sorey, Sr. He graduated from Classen High School in Oklahoma City and immediately enlisted in the US Marine Corp. Jim served as WWII ended and then studied architecture at the University of Oklahoma.
Jim began his career at Benham Engineering Company in Oklahoma City until he moved his family to Northwest Arkansas in 1978. He began work in the Site Development Division of Walmart and ran the Engineering team for 13 years until his “first” retirement. A man who loved to work, Jim continued his career as Senior Resource Engineer at CEI Engineering, Bentonville, Arkansas, then a brief time at Carlson Consulting Engineers and his final retirement came in 2015 from Sand Creek Engineering in Bentonville.
Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and community member. The family recalls his love of sports, building things, and a love for anything with a motor. A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Jim was known for his integrity and his willingness to help others.
Jim is survived by his wife of 66 years, Darlene Lynette Sorey; four children, Steve Sorey (Dru), Phil Sorey, Pam Darst (Jim), and Tim Sorey (Jenny); eight grandchildren, Nathan Sorey (Marissa), Dannielle Winter (George Michael), Samantha Markstone (Jacob), Heath Sorey, Jeff Darst (Amy), Coty Darst, Carlyn Maxey (Durgan), and Mason Sorey (Channing); and nine great-grandchildren, Tacoma, Lila, Gavin, MacKenzie, Sam, Madison, Tristan, Adalynn, and Brighton.
In addition to his parents, Jim was also preceded in death by his sister, Mable Marie Sorey.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 4:00pm-6:00pm and a funeral service will be held the following day beginning at 2:00pm at Callison-Lough Funeral Home, Bentonville, Arkansas. A graveside service will follow at Bentonville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hub of Hope NWA, https://www.hubofhope.org/donate.
