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James (Jim) Etzel, 81, formerly of Williamsport and Barbours died on July 2, 2025. Although he had moved to Frederick Living -in Zieglerville, PA 4 years ago, the sound of the Loyalsock Creek flowing by his home in Barbours never faded.
In the 60's Jim started his journey in education at Kutztown and continued for 6 more years at Penn State. After finishing his Masters Degree, Jim, his wife (Wendy) and 2 large dogs flew to Santiago, Chile where he began his long career as an elementary principal at the International School in the Andes Mountains. This experience established his foundation and love for guiding his extended families of teachers and students throughout his career.
Upon his return to PA Jim returned to PSU, became the father of 2 children and eventually landed in Williamsport, PA. As a principal he oversaw multiple schools in the district and greeted each school with a total devotion to his staff and students. As one first grader once wrote on his Christmas list…I want a desk and a suit and tie just like Mr. Etzel's.
In retirement Jim moved to Barbours, just north Williamsport, and became involved with his new community along the Loyalsock Creek. He found a calling working in the local library and frying pounds of bacon for the firehall breakfasts. When not helping others he cut firewood, cords and cords of firewood.
Four years ago, Jim and Wendy pulled up stakes and moved into a cottage on the campus of Frederick Living. Jim found a new focus in the Body Shop (Fitness Center) where he volunteered bringing residents from their rooms for their workouts. Without those wood stoves to feed, Jim also became an amateur movie critic keeping 3×5 cards filled with ratings and write-ups that he used for scheduling the most entertaining choices for the resident's Saturday night viewing.
Jim is survived by his wife, Wendy; two children, Kirsti (Mike) and Jay (Lynnette); and 4 grandchildren, Brock, Cole, Alyssa, and Bo. Jim's devotion to helping others and standing up for his strong beliefs of kindness, empathy, and the highest of moral standards will remain with so many he has touched. Blessed with a wild sense of humor, upon moving to Frederick Living he was once asked if he was a stand-up comic (he was not). He made his mark on so many and will be missed.