OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --Union Pacific Corporation Chairman James R. (Jim) Young, who worked his way from an entry-level finance position to chairman, president and chief executive officer, died today after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 61 years old.
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A lifelong Omaha resident and the oldest of six children, Young was elected Union Pacific Corporation chairman in January 2007. Heserved as president and chief executive officerfrom November 2005 until March 2012. Prior to those appointments, Young was Union Pacific Railroad president and chief operating officer, a position he had held since January 2004. He was elected a director of Union Pacific Corporation in February 2005.
"Jim was an icon at Union Pacific and in the railroad industry, a colleague and great friend," said Jack Koraleski, Union Pacific president and CEO. "Jim's vision and leadership took Union Pacific to unparalleled heights and his civic contributions made positive impacts on many communities across Nebraska and the entire Union Pacific system.
"Most importantly, he was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed."
"We are deeply saddened by Jim Young's passing," said Steve Rogel, Union Pacific lead director. "Jim's commitment to Union Pacific's mission and values, his tireless energy and infectious enthusiasm helped make Union Pacific an industry leader and made a lasting impression on everyone he met."
Young began his railroad career with Union Pacific in 1978 and held a variety of management positions. In 1997, he was named vice president - Customer Service Planning and Quality; in 1998 was named senior vice president and corporate treasurer of Union Pacific Corporation; and in December 1999 was named chief financial officer of Union Pacific Corporation.
He was a member and past chairman of the board for the Association of American Railroads, the Joslyn Art Museum, and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. He served on the boards of FXE Railroad in Mexico, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, The Knights of Aksarben Foundation, Heritage Services, and Creighton University.
A graduate of the University of Nebraska Omaha, he and his wife, Shirley, established the Jim and Shirley Young Scholarship Program specifically designed to assist low-income students. The Youngs grew up in Omaha, graduated from Omaha South High School and led the community fundraising effort to install a new artificial turf field at the school's Collin Field in 2009, marking the first time the school could host varsity football games since 1946.
He served as a Presbyterian Church Elder and coached youth football, basketball and baseball in Nebraska.
In addition to Shirley, Young is survived by three children and two grandchildren. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to pancreatic research in care of Dr. Jean Grem at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, or the charity of their choice.
Union Pacific's board of directors will elect a successor as chairman, as prescribed by the company's governance policy.
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2007-2013, Union Pacific invested more than $21.6 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.
Media contact:
Tom Lange
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402-544-3560 office
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SOURCE Union Pacific Corporation
