James Joseph Mordovancey, 74, of Choconut, PA, born November 16, 1951, passed away January 8, 2026, after a life filled with curiosity, adventure, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Jim grew up working on farms in the heart of the Choconut Valley, where he learned the values of hard work, resourcefulness, and living close to the land. As a young man, he was one of the "young bucks" who drove cattle through the countryside — a memory he later immortalized in his own writing. He graduated from Vestal Central High School and later attended The Pennsylvania State University, earning an associate degree in electrical engineering and later a BA in journalism. Jim proudly served for four years in the United States Coast Guard. His lifelong interest in the history of the Choconut region began in childhood, when he spent countless hours reading about early Native people and searching fields for arrowheads. Tales of aviation heroes like Charles Lindbergh and stories of landings on his family's farm fueled his sense of adventure and wonder. A student of the outdoors throughout his life, Jim worked with a prospector and geologist in the mountains of Nevada, served on a U.S. Forest Service firefighting crew, and worked as a crewman and naturalist aboard excursion boats in Hawaii. He maintained a keen interest in early American history, museums, and cultural sites around the country. World travel became another passion — he visited approximately forty-eight foreign countries and delighted in sharing his experiences through travel blogs and talks. His writings can be found at: rovingmomind.blogspot.com. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Rita (O'Connell) Mordovancey and Joseph Mordovancey, and by his nephew, Andrew Hawes. He is survived by his siblings Michael Mordovancey of Choconut, PA; Patrick Mordovancey (Kathy) of Friendsville, PA; Norine Hawes of Annville, PA; Mary Ellen Patrick (Shawn) of Manheim, PA; his nieces Theresa Hawes and Rachel Mordovancey; his nephews Christopher and Thomas Mordovancey; and one grand-niece. Jim will be remembered for his restless spirit, his humor, his curiosity, and his reverence for the stories of the past. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mercy House, 212 N. McKinley Ave., Endicott, NY 13760. Services will be announced and held at a later date.