PRINCETON, N.J. — Joseph James Needham, the founder of Princeton Air, a residential and commercial HVAC contractor in Princeton Junction, New Jersey, died earlier this month at age 81.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Joseph and Teresa Needham, he had been a resident of the Princeton area for the past 64 years.
Needham was a true gentleman, a selfless person who always thought of others before himself and had an abundance of wit and charm, according to an online obituary. He will be sorely missed, and his love and sense of decency will never be forgotten, the obituary said. Needham was known for his generous and loving spirit and was always willing to help others. He was determined and accomplished in everything he set out to do, whether building a business, racing cars, or skiing.
Needham attended Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, then joined the U.S. Army, working as a cryptographer while stationed in Austria. In 1971, he started Princeton Air. As a visionary executive, he built his company based on high standards and excellent relationships with his employees, clients, and partners, his obituary said.
Needham became an accomplished Porsche racer, competing as a member of the Schattenbaum Racing Club at tracks like Lime Rock, Bridgehampton, Watkins Glen, and Road Atlanta. He was also an avid skier, enjoying the sport until the age of 84. Both he and his wife, Joan, were also longtime members of the Carnegie Lake Rowing Association.
Needham was preceded in death by his wife; a sister, Nancy; and a grandson, Ian. He is survived by five daughters, Linda, Leslie, Dian, Lisa, and Christine; a son, Scott; two sisters, Teresa and Lillian; three brothers, Robert, Donald, and Jack; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated October 11 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Princeton, with burial following in the Princeton Cemetery.