The Virginia Conference just learned of the passing of James Sortore, he was the spouse of Rev. Marion Sortore (retired LP).
James David “Jim” Sortore, age 78, of 72 Bath Street, Clifton Forge, Virginia and formerly of New York, died on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at his residence.
Jim was born in Wellsville, New York to the late Melvin Wendell Sortore IV and Dorothy Jean Leilous Sortore. He held a Bachelor of Science degree, and served in the food industry for many years. He worked for Gerber Food, Curtis Burns, Blue Boy, and Tropicana, and was the retired chef and manager for St. Johns United Methodist Church. He enjoyed cooking, and was a judge for the Crisco National Pie Competition held in Orlando, Florida every year. While in New York, he was a member of the New York National Guard. Jim moved to Clifton Forge with his wife, Reverend Marion Culver Sortore, who pastored the Central United Methodist Church. He became a member of the church, and loved being the “Pastor’s Wife”. As an active member of the Alleghany Highlands community, Jim also loved working with Parks & Trails, especially the Sensory Trail, and belonged to the C & O Historical Society and the Alleghany Historical Society. He was known as “Pop Pop” and devoted nanny to his grandchildren, and enjoyed gardening, and golfing.
Jim was a gifted storyteller, a source of wisdom, and a master of the one-liner. We will deeply miss his straightforward view of the world, his sharp wit, his kindness, and his unwavering respect for everyone he met. Jim had a remarkable way of building strong, lasting relationships and his loss is felt by his friends in every corner of the world.
Jim is survived by his wife, Marion Sortore of Clifton Forge; a daughter, Samantha Hernandez-Sortore and husband Carlos of Vienna; a son, Scott Sortore and wife Stefanie of Bradenton, FL; and six grandchildren, A. J. Hernandez-Sortore, Ana Hernandez-Sortore, Alex Sortore, Ashlyn Sortore, Jamison Sortore, and Scarlett Sortore.
In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM in Central United Methodist Church, Clifton Forge with Reverend Douglas Forrester officiating. The family will visit with friends on that Saturday afternoon from 12:00 Noon until the time of service at the church.
The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Sensory Trail, c/o Clerk’s Office, P.O. Box 75, Clifton Forge, VA 24422 or to ConnectionsPlus Hospice & Healthcare, 328 B Jefferson Street, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.
(Source: https://nicelyfuneralhome.com/book-of-memories/5614903/Sortore-James%20/index.php)