James Needham

1941 - 2021

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021, at 11:00 AM in Martin & Castille's La Fleur de Lis Chapel in Lafayette for James "Buddy" Needham, age 80, who passed away on Monday, August 23, 2021 at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center. Interment will be in Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery with his wife, Jannell. Reverend Chris Fuselier will conduct the funeral services. The family requests that visitation be observed in Martin & Castille's Southside location on Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 9:30 AM until time of service. Survivors include his daughter, Dr. Natalie Needham; son in law, Scott Fleisig and grandson, Finn Fleisig of Woodstock, Georgia; his sisters, Marvita Hudson and Becky Lee Hebert; and his companion, Beverly Vidrine. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Jannell Cole Needham; his parents, Juanita Darce' and Marvin Needham; and his brother, Duke Needham. Mr. Needham attended Lafayette High School and loved reliving his days as a Mighty Lion. Over the years, he has had love for football, car racing, hunting and fishing. His true love was creating and running new businesses, and ran many companies in his industry. He has created a scholarship for underprivileged children at ULL. He was a member of the Masons and Shriners. Memorial contributions can be made in Mr. James "Buddy" Needham's name to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Shreveport. A heartfelt appreciation is extended by the Needham family to the ICU staff at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center for their compassionate care. View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com. Martin & Castille-Southside-600 E. Farrel Rd., Lafayette, LA 70508, 337-984-2811.