Muncie resident Jim Needham publishes new book – Muncie Journal

By Laurie Lunsford—

MUNCIE, IN – A brand new book was recently released, written by a popular local personality.

“I have wanted to write this book for a long time,” said Jim Needham when asked about God is still calling… Searching for God’s fingerprints. The book is a legacy of Needham’s life for his grandchildren. Because it is a book full of life stories and lessons learned, it is a great book for everyone. Needham generously shares a point of view in this book that we can all learn from. Wisdom comes with age, and if that is true, then Needham has plenty of it.

Needham has made a name for himself over the years with job titles such as Young Life Leader, television producer, talk show host, mentor, and Teacher of the Year in Telecommunications at Ball State University. He has left his mark on Muncie as a philanthropist, giving of his time and talents as well as fundraising. Needham introduced Bob Ross to Muncie. But most of all, he is a friend, a father, and a grandfather to many.

Needham’s book is set on the timeline of many things that have happened in Muncie over the past 70 years. Particularly in communications. Needham saw a small black and white television through the screen door of a neighbor’s house as a young boy and later entered the world of telecommunications and technology. Needham learned a lot about new technologies through his work at WIBP-TV.

I bought his book and read it in one sitting on a Sunday afternoon. I didn’t want to break the pace as I read about his experiences – from his childhood to the present. I could identify with many of his hard times and was moved by the many stories that demonstrate his faith – experiences with people, traveling to faraway places and seizing opportunities. As I read, I wrote down the lessons I learned from them. Each fascinating story brings with it a piece of wisdom. Here is just a portion of that list:

Appreciate your family through good times and bad.

Be aware that both good and bad situations are part of a bigger plan.

Pray and expect answers.

Look beyond yourself.

Believing is not always easy.

Arrive on time for appointments.

Jump off the tracks when you see a train coming.

Miracles still happen.

I spoke with Needham after reading the book and asked him how he sees life differently as a 79-year-old compared to his 25-year-old self. He said he was very successful in his youth, but also empty. He did a lot of things for the wrong reasons. His spiritual eyes began to open and he could see God working in the good and the bad, in his weaknesses and strengths. He also told me that God is still working in his life.

I believe him.

God is still calling… looking for God’s fingerprints is available on Amazon, including for Kindle, and at Barnes and Noble. It is also available at the Minnetrista Orchard Shop.

Here is the link to the book on Barnes and Noble.com