Jack Ray Sorensen Obituary (1932 - 2020)

Jackie Ray Sorensen knew that time and tide wait for no man. Billowed by a strong summer breeze, Jack was born to Irvin and May Sorensen on August 18, 1932 - second in line of four boys. Born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, Jack learned the value of hard work, the love of family and the privilege of serving God in a great country. His family moved to Venice Beach, California where all four boys enjoyed the sand and sea of Southern California. Well-groomed to serve his country as an Eagle and Sea Scout, he joined the United States Navy as a young man - serving during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and eventually retired after 30 years of faithful service as Commander in 1978. His smartest move was meeting and marrying Roberta Jean (Lofgren) Sorensen -- a beautiful woman who stole his heart from Obert, Nebraska. Like "peanut butter and jelly," they served the Lord together beautifully as they raised three boys on their Navy journey from the Western and Eastern Seaboards of the United States and Europe. Storms of life did come but they learned to weather it by the grace of God. Most families would have been swamped by losing their first-born son. Instead, they weathered the gale force winds by their abiding faith in Christ Jesus. Jesus became their anchor of hope and strength and carried them to deeper expressions of love and service throughout their life. After retiring, Jack felt "a call" to serve the Lord for 7 years in Christian service as a Chief Financial Officer of Lutheran Bible Institute in Issaquah, Washington and then another 7 years at Lutheran Bible Translators in Aurora, Illinois. In retirement, Jack spent hours creating wondrous things in his home workshop. He loved to work with stained glass and created beautiful pieces for his family to cherish. Working with his hands was a big draw for Jack. Literally a "Jack-of-all-trades," he was incredibly handy and could make or fix anything. The example he set for his children was no mystery. His greatest legacy to his children was his and Jean's abiding faith in Jesus Christ. Nothing even came close -- Jack and Jean witnessed their love of Christ by the way they lived, the way they loved and the way they served. Finally, on August 18, 2020, after 88 years of fair winds and following Jesus from shore to sea, Jack set sail and arrived in heaven, reunited with his beloved wife Jean and his son Robert Allen. While time and tide wait for no man, his greatest yearning was to be reunited with Jean and Bob in heaven. He was ready two years ago and spent the remaining months blessing his family with love, kindness and generosity. He entered heaven on his birthday -- what a celebration! It has been said that "a smooth sea never made a skillful sailor." True. The storms of life shaped Jack and Jean and strengthened their trust in Christ. His greatest legacy to family and friends was his love for Jean, his dedication to his family and his commitment to his Savior Jesus Christ. A legacy that lives on through his sons Don (Twila) and David (Holly) Sorensen; his eight fantastic grandchildren; and his two amazing great grandchildren. One unborn great grandchild will soon hear his stories. In recognition of his dedicated service to our country, Jack will be interred beside Jean and Robert at Tahoma National Cemetery on September 11, 2020 -- a life dedicated from sea to shining sea serving Jesus Christ.