James Elliott Sorrow

James Elliott Sorrow, 81, of Kannapolis, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at MUSC Marion Medical Center.

James was born April 14, 1944, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina to the late James Ernest Sorrow and the late Mary Edith Rivers.

He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Mary Ann Sager of Kannapolis, NC and Bill Sorrow of San Diego, CA.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 P.M. - 1:45 P.M on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Whitley's Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at Whitley's Funeral Home in Kannapolis, officiated by his son.

Survivors include wife of 62 years, Brenda Connell Sorrow of the home; sons, Jeff Sorrow (Kim) of Surfside Beach, SC and Jason Sorrow (Mattie) of Kannapolis, NC; grandchildren, Tyler Brown, Caylie Sorrow, Olivia Sorrow, and Wesley Sorrow; and siblings, Patricia Greene of Washington State, Jack Sorrow (Linda) of Landis, NC, and Janet Brooks (Joey) of Kannapolis, NC.

James lived a life defined by service, devotion, and heroism that earned him the nickname “The Legend.” He began his career with the Charlotte Police Department at the age of 21, answering a calling that would shape the next several decades of his life. Drafted into the Army where he served as Military Police in Miesau Germany before returning home to Charlotte, NC. His dedication and skills led him through the vice and narcotics unit and to the open road as a motorcycle officer. Over 31 years of policing, he carried the names “The Legend,” “Saraffas,” and “Zorro”. After retiring, he continued his commitment to justice as a courthouse U.S. Marshal in Charlotte and Statesville for several years.

James and his family are forever grateful for the generous gift of a heart transplant, a blessing that gave him fourteen treasured additional years filled with grandchildren’s laughter, shared stories, and memories. He loved riding his Harley and watching Gunsmoke and Andy Griffith reruns. He also loved camping, traveling with Brenda and their friends in the Carolina Heartlanders RV Club. For many seasons, he was a pitcher on the Fraternal Order of Police softball team. But above all, James loved his family. His grandchildren were his world: Tyler, who called him “Bear Man" because of his stories of bears in the woods and he spent countless hours talking fishing with him; Wesley enjoyed practicing target shooting with his Paw Paw, Olivia played a special role in assisting him in his desire of sweets; and Caylie often freed the squirrels from the trap meant to protect his pecans. Together, they made s’mores, shared campfires, and built memories. James leaves behind a legacy of strength, service, dry humor, and love that will live on in every heart he touched.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Charlotte Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9 Foundation, American Heart Association, or American Legion Post #146 in Landis.

Whitley's Funeral Home of Kannapolis is serving the Sorrow family.