James Needham Obituary

Jim was born in Kane County, Illinois on June 2, 1931 to parents Lloyd and Edna Needham. He married Beth Mayberry on July 12, 1951 in Glenwood, Iowa. She preceded him in death just four months ago on July 6, 2011. This year marked their 60th wedding anniversary. Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, and his brothers Robert Needham and Donald Needham. He is survived by his sister, Joyce Barnes and brothers Richard Needham and William Needham as well as his children Emily Williams and husband Charles, Janine Young and husband Alan, and son James and wife Charlene. He was the proud grandfather of Sarah Zabinski and husband Andrzej, Anna Adamo and husband Jonathan, Mary Williams and fiancé Matthew Kohnke, Tanner Young, Claire Young, and great granddaughter Bridget Adamo. Jim Needham was a man of the outdoors, a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War, a captain of industry, and a loving and steadfast husband, father, and grandfather. He was president of Needham Packing Company (Siouxland Dressed Beef), a Fortune 500 corporation and recipient of the Presidential E Award for Excellence in Exporting under his direction. He was a member of the Board of The American Meat Institute. He loved hunting, fishing, photography, and any pursuit that involved the outdoors. He raised and bred Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and also loved his Brittany Spaniel, Dodie and his terrier, Tink. Jim and his beloved wife Beth traveled the world together, but never forgot their Midwestern roots. They raised Charolais cattle in Nebraska, competed in cutting horse competitions in Northwest Iowa, fished for walleye on lakes in Minnesota and South Dakota, and played golf in Mesa, Arizona in the winter. Jim and Beth were a handsome and engaging couple everywhere they went. They were also wonderfully entertaining and dedicated parents, committed to the happiness and success of their children. Memorial services for Jim Needham will take place in Glenwood, Iowa on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at Petersons Mortuary. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM with services following at 12:00 PM. Memorials in his honor may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Association and Ducks, Unlimited.