Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
CENTERTON — James Cleveland Sorey Jr.
(aka Jim Sorey, Gramps), 93, passed from this life Thursday, April 15, 2021. Jim was born in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Aug. 26, 1927.
He graduated from Classen High School in Oklahoma City and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. 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, Ark., 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; children Steve Sorey (Dru), Phil Sorey, Pam Darst (Jim) and Tim Sorey (Jenny); 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 great-grandchildren Tacoma, Lila, Gavin, MacKenzie, Sam, Madison, Tristan, Adalynn and Brighton.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, April 21, 2021, from 4-6 p.m. and a funeral service will be held the following day beginning at 2 p.m. at Callison-Lough Funeral Home, Bentonville, Ark. A graveside service will follow at Bentonville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hub of Hope NWA, www.hubofhope.org/donate . Mr. Sorey is in the care of Callison-Lough Funeral Home, Bentonville, Ark. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.callisonloughfh.com .