James A. Mance

James Andrew Mance of Delhi, NY formerly of Liberty, NY, loving brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle and cousin went to be with his Lord Saturday morning, May 16, 2026 at home. He was 72.

James was born on January 24, 1954 in Liberty, the son of Richard Stewart Mance and Ruth King Mance.

He attended Liberty Elementary and High School graduating in 1972. He received his Drafting Certificate in 1973 from Sullivan County Community College. He worked for Bob Bruns Land Surveying from 1973-1974 and then returned to SCCC and received his AAS Civil Technology degree in 1976. He did field work for Joseph and Michael Woods Land Surveying in the 70’s and 80’s. He was a contractor with Here’s Help for NYSEG Right of Way from 1988-1993. He was a home care provider for his mother from 1993-2005. He then worked for a short time with Lawson Surveying and Mapping in Oneonta. After that he worked for CADI at the State University of NY at Delhi, retiring in 2020.

One of his favorite hobbies was trains and he was filled with a vast knowledge about them. He loved game nights, which often included board games from his childhood. He loved to root for the Yankees, Giants and Ohio State. James had a mind like a steel trap, and loved ones would often remark, “ I can’t remember, let’s ask James.” He had a warm, gentle soul and struck up conversations wherever he went, whether that be while getting coffee at McDonald’s or visiting with a neighbor. He loved his family greatly and would do anything for them. Pictures of loved ones and cards filled his home. Even through his health issues, he never complained and was always upbeat. His loving spirit and kind smile were infectious and reflected in the hearts of his loved ones.

James is survived by his sister, Mrs. Susan Gearhart and her husband Jeffrey of Delhi, his nieces Dr. Amber O’Leary (Matthew) of Harrisburg PA and Kassandra Gearhart of Selkirk NY, his great nieces Emma and Hannah O’Leary of Harrisburg PA and his cousins, Ruth Bonsick of Liberty, Barbara Robbins of Greensboro GA, and Dr. George Mygatt (Kathi) of Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

He was predeceased by his parents and his aunts; Magdalene King Marz, Elvina King, Anna King Olson, Dorothy King Mygatt and his cousin Joan Olson Arnold.

A private service for the family will be held at the convenience of the family.

Burial will be in the Liberty Cemetery.

To honor James’ passion for trains, memorial contributions may be made to Roscoe O & W Railway Museum, P.O Box 305, Roscoe NY 12776.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home West Street at Buckley, Liberty, NY. 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200 or www.Harris-FH.com