Jon Leigh Needham 66, passed away peacefully at home in the arms of his wife April 12, 2014, after a seven year battle with cancer. Born December 29, 1947 in Bristol, CT the son of the late Warren and Gertrude (Newton) Needham, he was a graduate of Middlebury High School Class of 1965. After graduation, Jon worked at the Chittenden Bank in Middlebury as a teller and head teller. Jon enlisted in the United States Army from 1968-1970 where he served in Korea and Germany. He transferred to the United States Coast Guard in 1972 retiring in 1989 as a Senior Chief. He married Connie Whitney and her 3 children December 2, 1972 in Salisbury. As a family they had many adventures and of course traveled to many places. Jon was an amazing stepfather. Together with his wife they owned and operated Blue Willow Antiques and Collectables in Salisbury. The store was an adventure for the 8 grandchildren, especially Jamie Devoid. She loved to accompany "Papa Jon and Granny" to yard sales, auctions and "help" run the store. They were quite a pair. He is survived by his wife Connie of Leicester, by his children, Jackie Devoid and husband George of Salisbury, Bruce Wheeler and wife Peggy of Ashley, IL, and Chelle Thompson and husband Jim of Bel Air, MD, by his siblings, Greg Needham and wife Betty of Pinellas Park, FL, Warren Needham and wife Sharon of Bethel, James Needham and wife Dede of Addison, Larry Needham of Essex, and Linda Trask and husband Geoffrey of Randolph. By his grandchildren, Jennifer Sheldrick and husband George, Niles Devoid, Molly Wheeler, Nathan "Rusty" Wheeler, James, Whitney and William Thompson, also by two great grandchildren Tucker and Griffin Sheldrick. Jon is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Jon was predeceased by his parents, and also his granddaughter Jamie Devoid. There will be no visiting hours. A graveside service with military honors will be conducted on Saturday April 26, at 1pm at Holman Cemetery in Salisbury, VT. Following the service a reception will be held at the Salisbury School. Memorial contributions may be made to Addison County Home Health and Hospice P.O. Box 754 Middlebury, VT 05753. Arrangements are under the direction of Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home www.sandersonfuneralhome.com