"I used to live in Joshs ward in Eagle Mountain and he would come and play basketball and I just remember how kind and personable he was. One time I fouled him really hard and he was nothing but forgiving. He will be missed but heaven will keep him until his family arrives. With the greatest respect."
In loving memory of
Joshua Daniel Mordecai
May 26, 1976 - November 6, 2019
Joshua Daniel Mordecai
May 26, 1976 ~ November 6, 2019
Joshua Daniel Mordecai passed away on November 6, 2019 at the age of 43. Josh was born on May 26, 1976 in Castro Valley, California to Barbara Nielson and Stephen Arthur Mordecai. Josh married Renae Christensen on May 1, 1999 in the Manti Utah Temple.
Josh enjoyed playing sports, especially basketball. Throughout his life, you could find him several times a week at the local church building or rec center playing basketball with his friends. He also loved to coach his own kids basketball teams, and was their number one fan and cheerleader.
Josh also loved the outdoors. His familys summers were full of hiking, exploring and adventures. One of his favorite things to do was wakeboarding at Swan Lake Montana. He was quick to try any new adventure and pushed himself to overcome his fears.
Josh loved his family immensely. He was easily a favorite uncle at any family event. He especially loved his own kids. His biggest desire for them was to know they could do anything they set their hearts and minds on. He wanted the very best for them and expected them to achieve that.
Josh loved discussing ways to make our society better. He was very involved politically and was a county and state delegate many times. He was always looking for ways to improve himself and be an influence for good in making changes in our world.
Josh served a mission in Latvia and Lithuania where his life mission and career choice began. While serving a mission, he taught third and fourth graders English. He could see the excitement in their eyes and knew what he needed to do. He became a teacher over 10 years ago. He always thought he was never doing enough. He changed so many lives, more than he could even imagine. He pursued a Masters in Education. With that brought a new position as principal at Athenian Academy in Ballard, UT. It was divine intervention that guided his path as well as any decision that he made for the betterment of his students and staff in any of his positions. He loved his job and all those he came in contact with.
Josh had one of the most compassionate hearts. He cared deeply for the down trodden and outcasts. He made it his personal goal to help them realize their potential. He wanted them to know of their self worth no matter what theyve been through. He was a big advocate for mental health and wanted to make sure those who needed help, could get it. One of Joshs favorite quotes was:
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. - Wendy Mass
Joshs time was way too short on this earth. He is missed and loved more than he could ever expect. His mission has carried on to the other side where his work is still carrying on, only in a much bigger capacity. His influence has sent a ripple effect that will last for years.
Josh is preceded in death by his brother Daniel Joseph Mordecai.
He is survived by his wife, Renae Christensen Mordecai, children: Christian, Haley, Annie and Noelle; parents Steve and Barbara Mordecai; siblings David Mordecai, Michaela Brewer, Nathan Mordecai, John Mordecai and Michael Mordecai.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 15, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Glines Stake Center (78 South Aggie Blvd). A visitation for family and friends will be held Friday morning from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will be held Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Pony Express Memorial Cemetery in Eagle Mountain, Utah. Online condolences may be shared at www.AshleyValleyFuneralHome.com
Tributes
"I worked at the Ballard charter school for one year as a teacher's aide. I still remember how grateful I felt for the opportunity Josh gave me to connect with the students and help them and create connections. He was the first to help me and my family move into our home. He lived his life like Jesus Christ at the school. He mourned with the students that mourned. He was a constant comfort to them, ever patient, always listening to their concerns, always willing to listen and give advice when needed. Every day he would greet the children as they came into school. He would help me watch them at recess. Every day he'd push the. on the swings and the students would always fly high. When recess would end, the kindergartners and first graders would hold him by the hand as if they didn't want to let him go. They'd say, "You're coming to class with us.", like they didn't want to let him go. They knew how special he was. He was their hero and he made a difference to each and every one of their lives. May your family find comfort in knowing that families can be together forever."
"I was lucky to get to work with Josh for a short time. He was very bright and thoughtful in all he said and did. He most definitely wanted the best for others and worked at providing as many opportunities as possible for our students. As Ive thought about Josh; I wanted to share this poem as I felt it was an essence of him. From my experience, he lived his life by simply trying to be a friend to man. The House by the Side of the Roadby Sam Walter Foss (1858-1911)There are hermitsouls that live withdrawnIn the peace of their self-content;There are souls, like stars, that dwell apart,In a fellowless firmament;There are pioneer souls that blaze their pathsWhere highways never ran;-But let me live by the side of the roadAnd be a friend to man.Let me live in a houseby the side of the road,Where the race of men go by-The men who are good and the men who are bad,As good and as bad as I.I would not sit in the scorners seat,Or hurl the cynics ban;-Let me live in a house by the side of the roadAnd be a friend to man.I see from my houseby the side of the road,By the side of the highway of life,The men who press with the ardor of hope,The men who are faint with the strife.But I turn not away from their smiles nor their tears-Both parts of an infinite plan;-Let me live in my house by the side of the roadAnd be a friend to man.I know there are brook-gladdenedmeadows aheadAnd mountains of wearisome height;That the road passes on through the long afternoonAnd stretches away to the night.But still I rejoice when the travelers rejoice,And weep with the strangers that moan,Nor live in my house by the side of the roadLike a man who dwells alone.Let me live in myhouse by the side of the roadWhere the race of men go by-They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,Wise, foolish- so am I.Then why should I sit in the scorners seatOr hurl the cynics ban?-Let me live in my house by the side of the roadAnd be a friend to man."
"I am so surprised at this news and very heartbroken about it. I loved Josh. He is one of the reasons I named my son Josh. I had a wonderful time serving with him in Latvia Riga Mission. He had a way with the people there. He was a great presence, kind of like a Clint Eastwood character but so full of kindness. He was funny and a deep thinker. It was fun to talk about things with him from religion to politics to education. I was so excited for him and his family for his opportunity to be a principal. I know he was great! My thoughts and prayers go out to his beautiful wife and wonderful kids Christian, Haley, Annie and Noelle. They were so good to share him with us missionaries at our last mission reunion in Provo where we stayed until everyone went home talking and going over memories. It meant so much to me. I loved bumping into him and his wife at rock concerts and finding out that we shared a lot more in common than either of us realized, as a fellow teacher I know his students and coworkers felt his love deeply. What a great soul. He is my brother and it is with great sorrow to see him go. I know that his influence will continue with his kids and I hope they learned all the best from their great father, that you can do anything! He will be with you. Josh, thanks for being my friend and lifting me when I was down. I will never forget the blessing you are. I treasure these memories. I am so lucky to have crossed paths with you, I hope we do again buddy, Love your friend, Joel."
"An Joshua Daniel Mordecai was sent by Athenian eAcademy Administration and Staff on November 11, 2019"
"Josh I will miss you man! It's been awesome getting to know him and his family, they are my favorite people to take racing to the track, such a good spirit about everything, and a great friend, gone too soon but definitely left a mark. A kindness and spirit to live up to for sure, thanks for all the late night cookies and baked goods when you couldn't sleep brother, and I'll still be your families free mechanic! See you on the other side man"
"Thank you, Josh, for your amazing friendship and mentoring. You were a great teacher and leader, and I know you will continue to teach. My life was blessed by knowing you."
"I had the privilege of working with Josh at UCA. Josh was a great mentor and teacher. I will miss his humor and insights in education and life in general. Not only did he root for the underdog, but he would jump into battle for him if needed. He will be missed. "
"All his life, Josh was the kindest, most beautiful person. Every memory of him was sweet, and filled with love. We will miss you so much! This world has lost a most beautiful light.Love, Jeannette (cousin)"
"My parents reminded me of when Josh was our home teacher many years ago. It was always a delight to have his spirit there with us. His testimony we got to hear him bear before he left for his job in Vernal was so powerful and sweet. Even today, I am still in shock by his sudden passing. Renae, I love you and I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through but I hope you know that you are loved so much and that you and your children will be carried by Joshs spirit and Christs throughout your life."
"I was a student at UCA. Mr Mordecai made all the difference in the world for me. I was struggling with a lot of things after leaving traditional school. He always looked out for me, and checked up on me to make sure I was doing good, both in school, and within myself. He believed in me enough to make me really want to live up to my potential. He really changed the whole path of my education because of his care. I know other students as well who were empowered by his kindness. Through the good he has done in this world, his spirit lives on. much love to the family and friends who will be missing him."
"Prayers for all. He will be missed by so many. The Blasi Family"
"An amazing man. My kids loved him as a principal. They had daily interaction and his name always mentioned of something he did for the kids that day. He always was smiling and you could find him working on the campus, or watching as kids arrived and left. Often you would see him throwing a ball or being with the kids. He always was concerned for the kids. He willl he deeply missed. Klyn & Ben Mcmickell family"