James Carl Sonnenburg

James Carl Sonnenburg, beloved husband and father, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 8, 2023.  A celebration of life will be at 2:00pm on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Park Memorial UMC in Troy.  Brother Brian Dovey officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  
Mr. Sonnenburg was employed through the years with the Pepsi-Cola Company and worked his way up to management.  He was often called in to evaluate losses and the workings of the plant.  He would then “clean up” and get it back in good working order.  Because of his hard work and loyalty to the company, he won several awards and was Salesman of the Year twice with the Pepsi-Cola Company.  Multiple awards included trips which he and his wife enjoyed.  Some of his favorite musicians included John Conlee and Neil Diamond. He was Shriner of the Year and won top sales of the newspaper for the Shriner’s.  He never met a stranger and loved people and the Lord.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends cheering on the Green Bay Packers and the University of Wisconsin. He was an Alabama Crimson Tide fan too!  He will be missed by all who knew him.
Loving survivors include his wife of 62 years, Sally Sonnenburg; children, Michael “Mike” Sonnenburg (Betty), Lynn Sloan; grandchildren, Joshua “Josh” Sonnenburg (Danielle), Cayla Ward (Zack), Dalton Sonnenburg (Reba); as well as additional family members including grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl & Leona Sonnenburg; brother, William “Bill” Sonnenburg, and stepfather, Peter “Pete” Mertz.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity or church of your choice.