James Michael Sorrells

James Michael Sorrells, 33, of Abilene passed away Monday, July 12, 2010 at his residence.

He was born on May 4, 1977 in Sao Paulo, Brazil where his parents were serving as missionaries. Michael was a life-long resident of Abilene. He attended Taylor Elementary, Franklin Middle School and graduated in 1996 from Abilene High School. While at Abilene High School, he received a letter jacket as a member of the R.O.T.C.

He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America holding memberships in Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Webelos, and Boy Scout Troop 201, where he was inducted into the Order of the Arrow and awarded the lifetime honor of Eagle Scout as a member of the class of 1992.

Through Scouting and family outings, Michael loved to camp and fish. Perhaps his favorite fishing trips were to Colorado and Northern New Mexico. He was an avid follower of sports, especially college and pro football and major league baseball.

Michael loved his entire family. His immediate family, his aunts, uncles, and cousins were an important part of his life. He loved his wife, Tracy, and their children. Through his marriage to Tracy, her extended family gave him full family membership, loving him as a son, brother, and uncle.

Due to the extremely rare disease of tuberous sclerosis, Michael had a difficult life. Through multiple surgeries and ever-present tumors, health and long life were not his companions. He died peacefully in his sleep on July 12.

Michael is survived by his wife, Tracy, their children, Hunter and Mackenzie of Abilene; his father and mother, Gary and Claudia Sorrells of Keller; a sister, Regina Gray, and her husband, Darrell of Watauga; and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins. He is also survived by his father and mother-in-law, William and Emlyn Jansa of Abilene; a sister-in-law, Kristi Jansa, and her daughter, Alexis of Abilene; sister-in-law, Cary Reid, and husband, Josh, and their son, J. T. of Sherman.

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, July 16 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 17 at Lange Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in Rowena Protestant Cemetery in Rowena.

Guests may register online at ballingerfuneralhome.com.