Obituary of James H. Needham

ATHOL:  James H. Needham, 90 years old of Athol, NY passed away on February 13, 2026 at The Pines in Glens Falls, NY.

Jim was born on August 28, 1935, to the late Reginald and Alice (Perkins) Needham. He attended Warrensburg Central School before leaving early to enlist in the United States Air Force. While serving, Jim worked as a jet mechanic. After being honorably discharged, he returned home to Warrensburg, where he lived with his father.

In 1961, while on an outing, Jim met the love of his life, Gail Wood. They were married on September 15, 1962, at the Methodist Church in Warrensburg. Together, Jim and Gail built a wonderful life and home. This year, they would have celebrated 63 years of marriage.

Jim later went to work for the New York State Department of Transportation as a truck driver. During his time there, he was part of the team that helped build the Adirondack Northway.

When he wasn’t working, Jim enjoyed hunting, especially for ginseng, a tradition he proudly passed down to his sons, fishing, and watching NASCAR, with Chase Elliott being his favorite driver.

Besides his parents, Jim is predeceased by his brothers Reginald, Tom and his twin John Needham.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Gail Needham, of Athol; his sons, Doug Needham, Darrin Needham, and Dale Needham, all of Athol; his brother, Richard (Charlotte) Needham, of Thurman; his half-brother, Craig Needham, of Lake Luzerne; his granddaughter, Hillary (Tori) Vaughn, of Hudson Falls; and his great-grandsons, Owen and Kole Vaughn. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation at: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8^th Ave., 16^th Floor, New York, NY 10001 or www.donorservices.alz.org.

Interment will take place in the spring at Reynolds Cemetery.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences and guest book.