James E. Needham

James E. Needham, 79, of Amarillo, passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2018.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 5, 2018 in Schooler Funeral Home’s Brentwood Chapel with Rev. Lance Herrington officiating.  Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia.

James was born on October 17, 1938 in Plainview, Texas to Thaddus and Lola Needham.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.  James married Mary Von Scroggins on September 17, 1960 in Wayside.  They were married 53 years before her passing on December 8, 2013.  James and Mary were always opening their home to others.  They fostered over 50 different children over the years.  James was loving, gentle and caring.  Many called him the sweetest man you could ever meet.  His Bible was so important to him.  He read it daily and read it in its entirety each year for over 40 years.

James was a retired letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service of which he was very proud.  He worked as the security guard at Jubilee Skate Arena for many years as well.  James also served as a Boy Scout leader and Sunday School teacher.  He was a member of Paramount Baptist Church since 1976.  After retirement he also worked at several locations of Long John Silvers.

James was preceded in death by his wife and parents.  He is survived by three sons, Randy Needham, Chris Needham, and Thad Needham, all of Amarillo; a brother, Russell Needham of NYC;  four grandchildren, Anabelle Sweatt, Star Needham, Sanshea Mendoza, and Joshua Needham; nine great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Alana, Isabella, Micalee, Yasmine, Britnee, Analiyah, Casandra, Adalyn and Eli; a great-great granddaughter, Serenity;  his sister-in-law, Linda Epperson Miller; and nieces and nephews. Steve Lake,  Jimmy and Kristi Lake, Deana Epperson and husband John, Patrick Epperson, and Devona Crawford and husband, Ryan.

The family suggests memorials be made to Raffiki Foundation, c/o Debbie Needham, P O Box 1988, Eustis, FL, 32727.