Lorrell James, son of Albert and Anna (Bald) Borkowski, was born June 20, 1944, at home in Audubon County, Iowa. He grew up south of Manning near Gray where he attended Lincoln No. 8 country school, and graduated from Manning High School in 1962. Lorrell served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967 and became a proud member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He then worked various jobs and as a foreman for Schmidt Masonry in Audubon.

On March 31, 1984, Lorrell was united in marriage with Judy Bode. The couple made their home in Harlan. From 1987 to 2019, Lorrell worked with the Iowa Department of Transportation and loved everything there: plowing snow in a snowstorm, picking up roadkill, and mowing ditches - even if it meant he had to wait for a badger to quit attacking his tractor. Lorrell took great pride in any task given to him.

Lorrell was baptized (1944), confirmed (1958), and married at Trinity Lutheran Church. He enjoyed singing and was a member of Manning Liederkranz. He was a talented gardener and would keep an annual count of his tomatoes. Grilling pork chops and smoking turkey became a favorite pastime. Lorrell was a loyal friend and would help anyone who needed it. His happiest moments were spent hunting with the "Dennis" cousins and Scott and Roger, and going to Canada to fish with Scott and crew. During the winter, he could be found around the wood burning stove in the man cave with Larry. Lorrell could mostly be found wearing his crocs.

In January of 2023, Lorrell's health declined and he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March. On Tuesday, August 29, 2023, Lorrell passed away peacefully at his home in Harlan, at the age of 79 years, 2 months, and 9 days.

Lorrell is survived by his wife Judy Borkowski of Harlan; brothers Kermit Borkowski of Dexter and Alerd (Judith) Borkowski of Carroll; sisters Ruth Kovacevic of Bolivia, and Irma (Gary) Tate of Belvidere, Illinois; brother-in-law Larry Bode of Polk City; sister-in-law Jean Borkowski of Manning; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Merlin Borkowski; sister-in-law Phyllis Borkowski; brother-in-law Roko Kovacevic; and by Judy's parents, Bill and Dorothy Bode.