James LeVoy Sorenson
James LeVoy Sorenson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Rexburg, Idaho, U.S. |
| Died | January 20, 2008 (aged 86) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, inventor, philanthropist |
| Known for | Founder of Sorenson Companies; medical device innovations; philanthropy |
| Notable work | Disposable surgical mask, venous catheter |
James LeVoy Sorenson (July 30, 1921 – January 20, 2008) was an American entrepreneur and the originator of Sorenson Companies, which oversees a group of 32 businesses. Known for his significant philanthropic efforts, he was recognized as Utah’s wealthiest individual with an estimated net worth of $4.5 billion and donated his entire personal wealth to charitable organizations.
Early life
Sorenson was born in Rexburg, Idaho to parents Joseph LeVoy and Emma Blaser Sorenson. His heritage included Swedish, Norwegian, and Swiss roots.
Career
Despite having only completed high school, Sorenson amassed his wealth initially through local real estate ventures before venturing into pioneering technological innovations. He held approximately 60 patents and is credited with medical devices such as the disposable surgical mask and venous catheter.
His enterprise, Sorenson Genomics, founded the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, a genetic repository that played a key role in identifying victims of the 2004 tsunami in Thailand.
Sorenson’s accomplishments earned him the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement in 1982 and the title of "Alumnus of the Year" from Sierra College in 2003. In 2006, Salt Lake City bestowed upon him the "Giant of Our City" award in recognition of his philanthropic work and contributions to tsunami victim identification.
Upon his passing, Sorenson left his full fortune to support charitable causes.
Personal life
He was married to Beverley Taylor Sorenson, a descendant of LDS Church President John Taylor. Together, they had eight children: Carol Smith, Shauna Johnson, James Lee Sorenson, Ann Crocker, Joan Fenton, Joseph Sorenson, Gail Williamsen, and Christine Harris.
Sorenson passed away on January 20, 2008, at age 86 due to cancer. He was survived by his wife, their eight children, and 47 grandchildren.
See also
Further reading
- Forbes.com: Forbes World's Richest People
- Deseret News biography
- Sierra College alumni achievements
- USA Today profile featuring Sorenson’s final interview
External links
- 1921 births
- 2008 deaths
- American billionaires
- American health care businesspeople
- American Latter Day Saints
- American Mormon missionaries in the United States
- People from Rexburg, Idaho
- Businesspeople from Salt Lake City
- Deaths from cancer in Utah
- 20th-century Mormon missionaries
- 20th-century American philanthropists
- 20th-century American businesspeople