JAMES E. SORELL

James Edward Sorell, 35, died Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at St. Joseph Hospital in Kansas City, MO, after a courageous nine-year battle with cancer. James was born in Iowa City, Iowa, on May 8, 1976. James graduated from Manhattan High School in 1995. He obtained a degree in Family and Consumer Science from Kansas State University and two months later, married Sarah Franz on July 3, 1999. While he was employed by Bank of America, James attended Midwest Baptist Theological Seminary, receiving a Master of Divinity in 2004. That same year, James and Sarah welcomed their daughter, Abigail Joy, and in 2008 their son, Asher James. Throughout his journey, James relied upon his trust in God and Jesus' grace. He continually encouraged others and pursued a deeper relationship with the Lord, even as his pain increased. A firm believer in community and discipleship, he was a true follower of Jesus. James is survived by his wife, Sarah, and their children, Abbie and Asher; his mother and step-father, Cindy and Rick Dempster; his father and step-mother, Brian and Colette Sorell; his siblings and their spouses, his twin Jason and Holly Sorell; Melissa and Jerry Shinkle, Matthew and Fiord Sorell; Rachel and Derek Bembry; John, Becca, Richard, Sarah and Sam Dempster; and Danielle and Ryan Sorell; his grandmother, Bonnie Beardsley; grandmother, Catherine Derowitsch; as well as nine nieces and nephews. James is now reunited in Heaven with many beloved family members including his grandparents, Bill Derowitsch, Phyllis and Don Sorell; Aunt Ann Furrow; and his nephews, Wyatt and Ezekiel Blake. We will celebrate his life at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 26, 2011 at the Christ Community Church, 14200 Kenneth Road, Leawood, KS 66224. In lieu of flowers, please send tax deductible contributions to Christ Community Church, which will provide financial scholarships and support for people in Christian ministry. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com. Mt Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home. 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO 64131. (816) 942-2004