James R. Sorber Sr. of 84 Williamson Road, Hempfield Township, passed away at 3:04 p.m. Sunday (11-1-09) in UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh, after a brief illness. He was 60.

Mr. Sorber was born Sept. 12, 1949, in Greenville to Gordon E. and Hazel D. Thompson Sorber.

He was a 1968 graduate of Greenville Senior High School.

Mr. Sorber was owner and operator of Sorber Construction in Greenville for many years and was previously employed for 23 years as a C.M.A. (cutting machine attendant) by PPG Industries in Meadville. He retired in 1993.

As a member of Clarks Mills United Methodist Church, he was a lay minister, and also attended Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ, Greenville. James belonged to the Italian Home Club of Greenville and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7599, Reynolds.

He was an avid golfer and fan of the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Pirates and Penguins. A Civil War history buff, he enjoyed visiting Gettysburg.

James very much enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

His wife, the former Kathleen “Kate” Beatty, whom he married June 15, 1968, survives at home.

Also surviving are: three daughters, Kay Lynn Young and her husband Jamie, Parma, Ohio; and Kristina Porter and her husband Seth; and Karen Jackson and her husband David, all Greenville; a son, James R. Sorber Jr. and his companion Emma Hatfield, also Greenville; five brothers, Robert Sorber, Dinuba, Calif.; Wes Sorber and William Sorber, both Mabank, Texas; Gordon ‘Sonny” Sorber, Carrollton, Texas; and Jack Sorber, Hughes Springs, Texas; four sisters, Hazel Jonnet, Mabank; Melva Seiple and Pat Stainbrook, both Greenville; and Jeanne VanTilburg, Las Vegas; and six grandchildren.

James was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, June Sorber.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

SORBER

James R. Sr., 60, of 84 Williamson Road, Hempfield Township.

Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (11-5-09) in LOUTZENHISER-JORDAN COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, 366-68 S. Main St., Greenville. Visitors may sign an online guestbook and watch a video tribute at www.loutzenhiser-jordanfuneralhome.com

Service: Funeral and committal service at 1:30 p.m. Friday (11-6-09) in the funeral home with the Rev. Philip J. Garner, pastor of Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ, Greenville, officiating.