Submit a PhotoJack Lavern Sovereign of Gilbert, Arizona, El Centro, California, and Sherwood, Oregon passed away peacefully in Chandler, Arizona on Saturday, August 8, 2020.
Jack was born on October 17, 1943 to Ralph Orval Sovereign and Edna May Rogers in Ketchikan, Alaska. Jack spent his adolescent years in Boise, Idaho & San Rafael, California during which he excelled in football, baseball and basketball, eventually leading him to Eugene, Oregon where he played football for the Oregon Ducks on an athletic scholarship. It was in Eugene that he met the love of his life, Sandra Kaye Hinson. They were married in Vancouver, Washington on July 21, 1967 and later sealed in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Los Angeles Temple on June 4, 1974. Jack’s life was filled with service to his friends, church, and to his country, but most especially to his family.
Jack is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandra Kaye Hinson, his children and grandchildren: Patrick Earl & Shellie Goodwin Sovereign (Kelsea (William Barrett), Derick Jack & Sydney Keanuenue (Will Keali’i, May Lokelani), Harland Kirk, Sean Patrick, Nathan John, Natalie); John David & Allison Leigh Forester Sovereign (Jacob Forester, Joshua David, Ryder John); Gregory William & Jennifer Sovereign Stevens (Chloe Marie, Donovan Jack); Jocelyn Cherie Sovereign, Matthew Dee & Sonya Danesa Sovereign (Joseph Scott, Summer Juliette, Zoey Ella, Gianna Rebecca); and his sister Sherry Sovereign Myers.
Jack was preceded in death by his father and mother, Ralph Orval Sovereign and Edna May Rogers as well as his mother and father in law Gladys Marie Bosman and Earl Kent Hinson.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Gilbert Memorial Park located at 2100 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, Arizona 85297. Funeral services for Jack will be held on Friday, August 14, 2020 at 11:00 a at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel. The services may also be viewed via Zoom meeting #366 999 0685.
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From the moment we first met Jack and Sandye we have felt like family. Jack was always quick with a smile and a warm greeting. Our hearts are broken and his departure will be sorely missed.
We love Jack and Sandye. So much. Beyond thankful our paths crossed. We will always remember him, how friendly he was to us, and his famous wave from across the street while he was out in his yard and saw us leaning our home. Much love to all of the Sovereign family. ❤️
Jack was my Bishop in El Centro when I was a young man. Love him and his family.
We are grateful to have known Jack. We are heartbroken for Sandye and her family. May God bless each of you with His comfort during this time.
Sandye, Jocelyn & family- we are so deeply sorry for your loss. You both spoke so highly of Jack and we are sending our love through this difficult time ❤️
Please know that you have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband. I know that there is little I can say to console you but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this tragic time….
Until We Meet Again
Each morning when we awake
we know that you are gone.
And no one knows the heartache
As we try to carry on.
Our hearts still ache with sadness
and many tears still flow.
What it meant to lose you, No one will ever know.
Our thoughts are always with you,
your place no one can fill.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we love you still.
There will always be a heartache,
and often a silent tear,
But always a precious memory
Of the days when you were here.
If tears could make a staircase,
And heartaches make a lane,
We’d walk the path to heaven
And bring you home again.
We hold you close within our hearts,
And there you will remain,
To walk with us throughout our lives
Until we meet again.
Our family chain is broken now,
And nothing will be the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.
— Chauntia Chisholm
I will always remember Bishop Jack Sovereign as tall, funny, and smiling. We send all our love and prayers your way, Sandye, Jocie, Matt, Rick, JD, and Jennifer.
Our dearest Sandye and family. We are still grappling with this sad and upsetting news. Sandye and I are nursing buddies from the CRMC. As a travel Nurse (from Canada), I never imagined I would meet and delight in a friendship such as the one we share with Sandye and Jack. Not only do Sandye and I share the ER but we also shared adventures with Holland America Cruise Lines. Brian and I send love and strength to ALL the family at this most difficult time.
Dearest Sandye, my heart broke for you and your family when I learned of your tremendous loss. Jeff and I send you our love, and prayers that your hearts will be comforted.
Sandye and family; we share your sorrow. You are an amazing family. Prayers for you at this time. Dawn
I loved growing up and getting to know the sovereign’s. Jack and Sandy created a loving, welcoming home with wonderful respectable children. I’m truly blessed to know them, Jack will be missed but not forgotten. God bless the Sovereign family.
I served with Jack as a counselor when he was Bishop in El Centro. He always provided great counsel and was a masterful teacher and friend. I was privileged to serve with him. Jack had a great smile and a quiet intense demeanor. I will miss him and look forward to our meeting on the other side and the stories he will have to tell.
I served with Jack as a counselor when he was Bishop in El Centro. He always provided great counsel and was a masterful teacher and friend. I was privileged to serve with him. Jack had a great smile and a quiet intense demeanor. I will miss him and look forward to our meeting on the other side and the stories he will have to tell.
Sweet Sandye and Family,
We are saddened by your loss, but take comfort as I know you all do, in knowing his final destination. It may not feel like comfort now in these early days following his passing. He is never far from your hearts and minds. May you see him often in your dreams. Love and peace to you all.
The Conklin’s
Dear Sandye and Family, Saddened by the news of Jacks passing. I remember when he was the Bishop in El Centro, he was a sedulous and dedicated servant.I remember one year when I had my gallbladder removed. Not long after getting home from the hospital he came by to minister to me, he had with him a bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings, via the hands of Sandye. That is how it always was. Jack was a wonderful example to his children of what qualities a husband and father should be. He loved his children and supported them in all of their school activities, he held them to account if they messed up but did so with compassion, love and and understanding. I know how much he loved his wife and eternal companion. Until we meet again.
Sincere and deepest condolences to the Sovereign family. Jack was bishop when our son Matthew was baptized and performed the ordinance. We are ever grateful. RIP Bishop.
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband. We pray for you & your family at this challenging time. Love, The Winwards
Sandye, I was so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. I respected Jack so much for his leadership and friendship. The highlight of my softball playing years were spent on the Poway team with Jack. I will always remember the fun times we had.