James A. Needham

James A. Needham, 70, of Niagara Falls, NY, went home to be with the Lord, at his residence, while surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Niagara Hospice.  Born on May 14, 1947 in Miami, FL, Jim, as he was known to family and friends, was the son of the late Floyd and Vera (Edgerly) Needham. 

Mr. Needham was raised and attended schools in California. Jim proudly served in the United States Navy, during the Vietnam War, from December 31, 1964 until December 12, 1968 and on August 7, 1971, he was honorably discharged from the reserves. On June 3, 1968, Mr. Needham married the former Josephine Cirrito. They permanently came to Niagara Falls in 1980. Jim was employed as a Lab Technician working for SGL Carbon.  He loved the Lord and was a member of Walnut Avenue Christian Church.  Mr. Needham served as past commander for the American Legion LaSalle Post #1142, president and coach for Midtown Little League and coach for Cataract Little Loop.  

In addition to his beloved wife, Mr. Needham is survived by his daughters, Patricia (Thomas) Prokop, Lisa Needham and Carmella (John Stein) Rhodes; grandchildren, Thomas (Melissa) Prokop, Christopher (Destanee) Prokop, Richard Young, Zachariah Rhodes and Dominic Rhodes and his great-grandchildren, Jayden, Anabella, Lilly, Romeo, Dallas and Gabriella.  Jim is also survived by three siblings, Gary (Linda) Needham, Barbara Burnett and Richard (Marie) Needham; the Cirrito family who was very supportive and special to Jim and Josephine and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was predeceased by three siblings, Dennis, Elizabeth and John.

The family will be present to receive friends on Saturday, December 9th from 2-6 p.m. in the Chapel of OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, 2215 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY, where a funeral service will follow visitation at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor James Cassidy and his son-in-law, Pastor Thomas Prokop officiating.  Private prayers of committal and interment will be held in Niagara Falls Memorial Park Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.

Arrangements are under the direction of Michael R. Goodlander, Otto Redanz Funeral Home.  Please visit www.goodlandercares.com for online condolences.