Back to Learn About Us   The Reverend James R. Needham (Father Jim) was appointed by the Bishop of Florida to begin a new congregation in Tallahassee, Florida.  Father Jim was born in Pontiac, Michigan, and grew up in Cape Coral, Florida where his family helped begin one of the first churches in the area. Other than church activities, his childhood days were spent swimming, fishing, and studying classical music. Father Jim is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work and minors in Religion and Music. While at FSU, he found time for front porch sing-a-longs (he plays guitar and the fiddle) and a summer bicycle trip from coast to coast across the United States. He attended seminary at Southern and Southeastern serminaries earning a MDiv with Languages in pastoral care.      Father Jim's passion is to see others experience the love of God, especially when they realize "that following Jesus is great fun and an adventure." His years as a Baptist gave him a love for the Bible and missions. Ordination in the Anglican communion allowed him to expand his spiritual horizons to include liturgy, social justice, intellectual inquiry, and an appreciation of the mystery of sacrament and the communion of God’s people through the ages.      Jim began ministry at age 16 as a Baptist, and served congregations in five states as a Youth Minister, Music Director, and Pastor.  His ministry at these churches was marked by creativity and enthusiasm which celebrates the love of God’s using the arts.  To that end he has started children choirs, led clown ministries, and created musical, and dramatic productions. He is also known as a gifted speaker and teacher who understands and communicates the depth of Biblical teaching in a down to earth, exciting way.          In the secular world, Father Jim has worked in sales, as a pizza chef, janitor, social worker, and disability examiner for the State of Florida. He has also been involved in a number of volunteer initiatives through Kiwanis, Kairos Prison Ministry, mission trips to Africa and Asia, and numerous performances for schools, nursing homes, churches and civic groups. He has been a community columnist for the Tallahassee Democrat and is published in several journals.      Father Jim and his wife Chris have five children together, ages 9 to 23, in a blended family. His wife is a licensed clinical social worker who provides counseling and teaches at FSU. She is also a gifted musician, and they enjoy "fiddling around together." In addition to loving their children, they also have a cocker spaniel pup named Jehosephat ("Joey"). A variety of other critters have passed through the Needham household.  In his spare time, Father Jim enjoys coaching football from the sofa, fishing, camping, cooking, and making jewelry. He is eager to see what God has planned for St Luke's Anglican Fellowship, a new "Community of Life" in Tallahassee.       The Buzz • Learn About Us • Connect With Us • Get Involved • Our Gifts to You • Home